Marine News Boat of the Month: January 2017

In December, Gulfstream Shipbuilding was awarded a contract through the United States Department of Homeland Security for a passenger/vehicle ferry to service New York and Connecticut waters. This crew boat-style vessel will be capable of transporting passengers, freight and vehicles in and around the waters of the Eastern Long Island Sound and Gardiner’s Bay. The vessel has an expected delivery date of April 2017.

For its part, Gulfstream Shipbuilding is not only familiar with the waters of Eastern Long Island Sound, its production team has delivered three ferry vessels to North Ferry Company that also operates near these waters. The firm has a 35+ year history of building strong aluminum crew boats for all types of conditions.

Working with Naval Architect C. Fly Marine Services, Gulfstream’s design team incorporated key design elements to meet and exceed the Critical Vessel Objective. The welded aluminum, mono hull, diesel propelled, quad screw passenger / vehicle ferry includes a 75 Hp Wesmar Hydraulic Dual Prop Thruster. Caterpillar diesel engines have been identified to meet the 26 knot performance requirement. The hull structure is robust and designed for strength with considerations for ice, but not overly heavy as to affect performance, maneuverability, seaworthiness, comfort and speed requirements. Paying particular attention to the beam at waterline and dead rise considerations, the hull design provides for minimal frictional and wave-making resistance along with the center of gravity to meet the peak performance envelope and to ensure adequate speed and efficiency. 

Notably, Gulfstream's hull design is similar to that of a Gulf Coast Crew Boat, with a diminished cargo deck overall and a narrower beam at the waterline to reduce overall resistance at semi-displacement speeds. A sharp entry and moderate dead rise will provide a comfortable ride platform within the operational envelope. 

Gulfstream Shipbuilding is a custom boat builder in Northwest Florida specializing in steel and aluminum vessels up to 300 feet. Formally known as “Freeport Shipbuilding,” Gulfstream Shipbuilding operates in the same facility with a majority of the original management team and staff. The shipyard offers stock and custom designed vessels including U.S. Coast Guard-approved Excursion Vessels, Offshore Fast Supply / Crew Boats, Passenger / Car Ferries, Cruise Boat Tenders and Custom Specialty Boats. 

Gulfstream’s Custom Designed DHS Ferry: at a glance …

Owner: U.S. DHS

Delivery Date: April 2017

Length: 118’

Beam: 27’

Draft: 6’6”

Depth (Molded): 10’-9”

Passengers: < 149

Main Propulsion: 4x Catepillar C32

Horsepower: 1,300 @1,800 RPM

Service Power: 2x John Deere GK4045, 65kw

Thrusters:  75 hp Wesmar Hydraulic Dual Prop

Steering System: Skipper Hydraulics

Propellers: 4x 4 blade, Nibral Hull Construction: Aluminum

Controls: ZF Clear Command

Marine Gear: ZF 3050A

Fuel: 9,500 gallons

Lube Oil: 375 gallons

Water: 800 gallons

Sewage: 800 gallons

Certification: USCG subchapter T(< 100 GT)

(As published in the January 2017 edition of Marine News)