World's Largest Aluminum Crewboat Features Five Cummins Engines

—Free Literature Offered— Offshore oil and gas operations in deeper waters at greater distances from shore have led to the production of the world's largest crewboat.

It is the 155-foot, all-aluminum giant, the Blair McCall, powered by five Cummins KTA-19M-680 HP diesels, whose combined 3,400 horsepower can push the boat to 27 knots.

Built by Gulf Craft, Inc., of Patterson, La., for McCall Boat Rental, Inc., of Cameron, La., the Blair McCall is now working for Mobil in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Let's put this boat in perspective," said Calvin B. Klotz Jr., Cummins Mid-South Inc. (Metairie, La.), industrial and marine sales manager, and christening co-sponsor.

"Just a few short years ago, the average steel supply boat was between 160 and 180 feet and could haul about 350 tons of cargo at a max of 10 or 11 knots. This aluminum crewboat which is almost as big, can transport 190 tons of cargo, 94 passengers, and do it in less than half the time. What we have here is something that looks, acts, and costs like a crewboat, but is really a very fast supply boat." While multiple engines are unusual, it is not rare for the McCall fleet. The 110-foot Elaine McCall has four engines, and the 125-foot Joyce McCall II and 145-foot Paula McCall both have five engines.

There are 36 Cummins propulsion engines in McCall's 25-boat fleet.

The Blair McCall is 155 foot long, with a 30-foot beam, 12-foot depth, and eight-foot loaded draft. Her aft deck is 24 feet by 82 feet.

She can carry 12,500 gallons of fuel, 34,000 gallons of fresh water, and 730 gallons of potable water.

The boat features high illumination Carlisle and Finch searchlights for night work, rescue equipment, and an aft-mounted fire monitor.

A partial list of the Blair McCall's navigation and communications equipment includes a Furuno radar, Raytheon loran and VHF radio, a Stephens Engineerinkg SSB, and Comp-Nav autopilot and compass.

For free literature on the full line of marine diesel engines from Cummins, Circle 71 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 57, Jan 1988

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.