Gladding-Hearn Starts Construction of New Pilot Boats for Colombian Navy

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, is building the first of three Chesapeake Class pilot boats for coastal and offshore patrol operations and port security provided by the Colombian Department of the Navy.

Designed by C. Raymond Hunt and Associates, the all-aluminum deep-V hull measures 56.6 feet overall, with a 17.8-foot beam and 3-foot draft and will have a top speed of 27 knots. The launch will be powered by twin MAN R6-800CRM diesel engines, each delivering 800 Bhp at 2,100 rpm. The engines turn Ultra Jet UJ-452 water jets through ZF 360 gears. The boat is equipped with a 16kW Alaska Diesel genset.

At the transom is a winch-operated, rotating davit over the water-level recessed platform for rescue operations.

Interior accommodations include six bunks, a head and full galley, air conditioning, and Llebroc seats and an upholstered settee in the pilothouse.

www.gladding-hearn.com