Page 53: of Marine News Magazine (November 2021)

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TOP BOATS 2021

Gladding-Hearn

SUSQUEHANNA

THE LATEST AND GREATEST FROM A PILOT

BOAT CLASS THAT’S TRIED AND TRUE

A winning recipe from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, all, with a 16.8-foot beam and a 4.8-foot draft. Powered

Duclos Corporation, has made the Chesapeake class one by twin Volvo Penta D16, EPA Tier 3-certi? ed diesel en- of America’s most popular pilot boats. gines, each producing 641 Bhp at 1,800 rpm, the vessel’s

Since the series was introduced by the Somerset, Mass., top speed is over 26 knots. The engines turn ? ve-blade shipyard in 2002, more than 20 have been delivered to Bruntons NiBrAl propellers via ZF500-1-A gear boxes. A 12 pilot associations throughout the United States, includ- Humphree interceptor trim control system, with its Auto- ing the Susquehanna recently handed over to the Associa- matic Trim Optimization, is installed at the transom. The tion of Maryland Pilots. In fact, Susquehanna is the fourth launch is equipped with a 12kW Northern Lights genset

Chesapeake launch delivered to the Maryland Pilots, who and 100% LED lighting.

were one of the original adopters of the design when it The vessel’s wheelhouse, with a small trunk, is installed took delivery of Patapsco in 2002. That ? rst vessel, by the amidships on a ? ush deck. With electrically heated forward- way, is still in service and running strong. leaning front windows, the wheelhouse is equipped with

Susquehanna is the latest and greatest of the tried and ? ve NorSap shock-mitigating reclining seats, a baggage true Chespeake class, which has evolved thanks to a large rack and control console. The forecastle includes a Porta- number of small incremental tweaks and changes through Potty, split upholstered settee/bunk, lockers for tools and the years, said Peter Duclos, Gladding-Hearn president safety gear safety gear and a custom immersion suit rack. and business development director. “The Chespeake class The vessel’s interior is heated and cooled by two 16,000 is current and valid today because we’ve continued to make Btu reverse-cycle HVAC units, in addition to a 2,000-watt better. A lot of things are similar, but it’s not the same boat 240 VAC heater in the wheelhouse and in the forecastle. that it was in 2002,” Duclus explained. “The result of all Outside the wheelhouse are heated side-decks and hand- these changes is that the boat is faster yet burns less fuels, rails to prevent ice accumulation. An aft ladder leads to and it’s heavier, more comfortable and capable.” hinged boarding platforms on the roof. A control station

With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the is at the transom, along with a hydraulically powered J- new all-aluminum Susquehanna measures 52.6 feet over- Basket rescue system, for pilot rescue operations. www.marinelink.com MN 53|