Page 40: of Marine News Magazine (November 2025)

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Great Boats 2025

R/V North Wind

All American Marine ll American Marine (AAM) has delivered a 78- x 26.7-ft, semi-displacement aluminum catamaran to Cal Poly Humboldt. The ves-

R/V NORTH

A sel will serve as a scienti? c exploration plat- form and support faculty research along the Northern

WIND

California and Oregon coasts. Designed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, the RV North Wind builds on the success of similar research vessels, including the R/V

Shackleford and the University of Hawaii’s R/V Imua.

Constructed to US Coast Guard Subchapter T standards, it is optimized for near-coastal and offshore operations, support- ing Cal Poly Humboldt’s research initiatives in oceanography, marine ecosystems, and the emerging offshore wind industry.

The vessel is powered by twin MAN D2862LE43B EPA

Tier 4 engines with diesel particulate ? lters and meets Cal- ifornia’s stringent environmental standards while deliver- ing exceptional performance. The vessel is capable of fully laden cruising at speeds exceeding 28 knots at 80% engine load. Featuring Teknicraft’s hydrofoil-assisted hull design, the vessel minimizes drag, enhances fuel economy, and en- sures a smoother ride in rough seas. Its CFD-modeled hull shape reduces wake energy and optimizes ef? ciency, a criti- cal feature for long-duration research missions. Out? tted with a Kongsberg ADCP electronics suite, a ? xed WASSP multibeam system, and Okeanus deck handling equip- ment, the North Wind provides advanced capabilities for oceanographic research. Onboard, researchers bene? t from

R/V NORTH WIND MAIN PARTICULARS wet and dry labs, a computer lab, industry-leading elec-

Boat Name: .............................................................................R/V North Wind tronics, comfortable live-aboard quarters, and a full suite

Boat Type: ...............Research Vessel / Semi-Displacement Aluminum Cat

Boat Builder: ..........................................................All American Marine, Inc.

of oceanographic equipment. North Wind is designed

Material: ...................................................................Marine-grade aluminum with extended missions in mind, and it features comfort-

Boat Owner/Operator: .....................................................Cal Poly Humboldt

Boat Designer: ...................................................................Teknicraft Design able accommodations for 14 live-aboard researchers, in-

Delivery Date: ................................................................................March 2025 cluding full bunks, a spacious bathroom with a shower,

Classi? cation: .............................................U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T

Length (o.a.): ..............................................................................78 ft (23.8 m) and onboard laundry facilities. A galley and dedicated

Breadth (molded): ........................................................................26 ft (7.9 m) common areas offer space for collaboration and expanded

Depth (molded): ..........................................................................8.5 ft (2.6 m)

Draft (designed): .............................................................................4 ft (1.2 m) opportunities for daytrips. The vessel will provide Cal Poly

Speed: ............................................................28 knots full, 1.5 knots survey

Humboldt researchers, students, and others with a pioneering

Fuel: .............................................................................................1600 Gallons

Main engines: .............................................2x MAN D2862LE438 EPA Tier 4 platform, allowing them to access and study a wide array of

Rating: ..............................................................882 kW (1,182 bhp)/2100 rpm marine environments, says AAM. The knowledge gained from

Propellers: ...................................................................Fixed-pitch propellers

Special Features: ...........Teknicraft hydrofoil-assisted hull, Out? tted with research missions on this vessel will directly support managing a Kongsberg ADCP electronics suite, a ? xed WASSP multibeam system, and conserving California’s marine resources. These amenities, and Okeanus deck handling equipment, ensuring precise data collection for marine research.

combined with the vessel’s fuel-ef? cient propulsion system and

Radars: ...................................................................................................Furuno advanced research equipment, make it an optimal platform for

AIS: ..........................................................................................Furuno Class A multi-day and offshore scienti? c operations. The vessel also ac-

GPS: ........................................................................................Furuno GP-170 commodates up to 40 daytime passengers,.

40 | MN November 2025