Page 55: of Marine News Magazine (November 2021)

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TOP BOATS 2021

Breaux’s Bay Craft has been building pilot boats since the early 1970s, but Spindletop is just its second with its new generation deep-V bottom. Having run for more than 38,500 nautical miles (as of October 20), Breaux said Spin- dletop’s performance has been exceptional. “The vessel has been in service in adverse weather conditions, including 8- to 10-foot seas, and has exceeded and outperformed all expectations,” Breaux said “We went to Breaux for a custom-built pilot boat that would maximize safety and comfort for our 17 mile stretch in the Gulf of Mexico, and could not be happier with our choice,” said Capt. Kenneth Leslee Hurd, boat superinten- dent for Sabine Pilots. “The Spindletop with its four Ham- ilton jets coupled to the 4,800 HP Scania engines, Hum- pree active ride trim tabs, and Breaux’s new hull design she cuts thru our constant 3- to 4-foot chop that we run on a daily basis with ease. Another great feature from Hamilton is their new AVX (boat mouse) system that allows the op- erator to maneuver the vessel with ease in restricted areas.”

Hurd said operator visibility during pilot transfers was a main priority when designing the new launch, adding that

Spindletop’s heated fritted glass windows allow the opera- tor 360 degrees of unobstructed views at all times.

For pilot transfer operations, Spindletop has port and starboard boarding platform on both the bow and pilot- house. A combination of DB 510 D bumpers and aircraft tires surround the perimeter of vessel. For rescue assist, there’s a custom-built rescue platform by SeaLift located on transom with 24V hydraulic unit, plus a transom jib pole with 120V electric winch.

Hurd expects Spindletop—Sabine Pilots’