Kvichak Awarded Pilot Boat Contracts

Kvichak Marine Industries, of Seattle, WA, has recently been awarded a contract to build two 50’ x 15.5’ pilot vessels for the Crescent River Port Pilots (CRPPA) of Louisiana.

The Crescent River Port Pilots operate on the Mississippi River between Pilot Town and New Orleans, LA. Designed by Kvichak Marine, the all-aluminum vessels will be powered by twin Detroit Diesel 60 series engines rated for 600 BHP coupled to Twin Disc MG5114SC marine gears.    Hamilton 364 waterjets are the chosen propulsors. This combination allows for excellent maneuverability and a top speed of ~ 32 knots.  These vessels have a Wing Hybrid fendering system and a roof boarding platform specifically designed for the CRPPA.

Delivery for the first vessel is scheduled for May 2012 and the second vessel in September 2012.

Additional vessel features include:

• Overall length: 52.3’

• Beam, overall: 15.5’
• Draft (RFS): 2.3’ 

• Fuel capacity: 500 gallons
• Top speed: ~32 knots 

• Integrated navigation system
• Northern Lights 9 kW generator 

• Climate controlled pilot house
• 2 crew and 4 passengers 

• Wing Hybrid fendering system