Page 54: of Marine News Magazine (November 2021)

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TOP BOATS 2021

Breaux’s Bay Craft

SPINDLETOP

THE LARGEST PILOT BOAT IN THE U.S.

With a long, dark deep-V hull and its aquamarine color- pilots, one navigator and captain in Hy Back NorSap re- ing up top, Sabine Pilots’ newest launch Spindletop deliv- clining seats and sleeping accommodations for four with ered in mid-March is de? nitely a head-turner. But perhaps full galley,” Breaux said. The vessel features a three-ton most attention grabbing is the vessel’s dimensions: 90 feet water cooled air conditioning system for the pilothouse long and 23 feet wide. and another two-ton water cooled AC system for the lower “Spindletop is the largest all-aluminum pilot vessel accommodation, which includes two double bunk state- built in the U.S.,” said Roy J. Breaux, Jr., president of rooms, settee seating area and a full head with shower.

Breaux’s Bay Craft, the Loreauville, La. shipyard that “The vessel’s speed, fuel ef? ciency and stability also built the groundbreaking vessel. “When Sabine Pilots make it unique,” Breaux said, noting Spindletop the ? rst came to Breaux’s Bay Craft to have this vessel built, they quad screw jet propulsion pilot vessel built in the U.S.” requested a Gulf of Mexico Bottom with a plush and Powered by four Scania DI16-82M engines (800 HP at comfortable interior, fuel ef? ciency and stability in bad 2,100 RPM) with Twin Disc MGX 5146 gears, Centek weather conditions.” Water lift muf? ers and quad Hamilton HM461 waterjets,

The launch was designed by Breaux’s Bay Craft in part- Spindletop cruises ay 27 knots with a top speed over 30. Its nership Madisonville, La. naval architecture ? rm C.FLY Ecospeed underwater hull coating offers improved hydro-

Marine Services. “The overall size of the vessel gives the dynamic characteristics that help to enhance performance pilots more comfort with the capabilities of seating 14 and save fuel.

54 | MN November 2021