Gladding-Hearn Delivers Sixth Launch to Delta Pilots

Delta Launch Services, the operating company for the Associated Branch pilots on the SW Pass of the Mississippi, has taken delivery of a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. This is the sixth St. John’s Class launch built for the Delta pilots by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard.

The new launch, a sister-ship to the Assistant delivered in 2018, measures of 52.6’ overall, with a beam of 16.11’ and a draft of 4.8’. The all-aluminum pilot boat features the Ray Hunt Designs Deep-V hull. It is powered by twin Caterpillar C-18 EPA Tier 3 diesel engines, each delivering 671 Bhp at 2,100 rpm, with a top speed of 26 knots. Twin Disc MG5136A gears turn five-blade Bruntons NiBrAl propellers. The launch is equipped with a 12kW Northern Lights genset.    

The wheelhouse, with a small trunk, is flush-mounted to the deck amidships. Aft of its helm station are six Llebroc pilot seats. The forecastle is equipped with enclosed marine head, settee and three berths. The wheelhouse and forecastle are heated and cooled by three reverse-cycle air-conditioning units, totaling 40,000 Btu’s.  

Outside of the wheelhouse are wide side decks, a rear and side doors, and hinged  boarding platforms on the roof. At the transom is a winch-operated, rotating davit over a recessed platform for rescue operations.

The new launch is USCG Subchapter-T certified to carry 12 passengers for hire.