Kvichak Delivers To Pilots Association

Kvichak Marine Industries delivered Chinook + a 72 x 21 ft. (21.9 x 6.4 m) all aluminum pilot boat — to the Columbia River Bar Pilots Association of Astoria, Ore. The vessel replaces the 30-year-old Peacock that had previously been used on the River.

Designed by Camarc, Chinook transports the Pilots to and from seagoing vessels entering or leaving the Columbia River. Running in weather conditions that can sometimes test a vessel's limitations, the Pilots specified that Kvichak construct a vessel that could survive a 360-degree rollover and return safely to its mooring with crew and equipment in tact.

Therefore, the vessel was fully tested by Kvichak in Seattle's Lake Union with the assistance of a Foss barge crane, which lifted the belts that were used to turn Chinook over 180 degrees. The straps then released themselves, allowing the vessel to successfully right itself.

A combination of low center of gravity, superstructure buoyancy and hull design enabled the vessel to successfully pass its stability test.

The 50-ton vessel's propulsion is provided by twin DDA marine diesels rated for 1,285-hp at 2,100-rpm, coupled to twin DDA transmissions.

Both engines are coupled to a pair of Hamilton 651 waterjets. Chinook achieved a speed of 29 knots during sea trials, fully loaded with six crew onboard.

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