Gladding-Hearn Delivers Police Boat

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, The Duclos Corp., has delivered its 11th police boat for the New York City Police Department. The new high-speed, all-aluminum deep V-hull, which measures 13 ft. abeam and draws 3.5 ft., is powered by twin Caterpillar 3208-TA diesel engines, each rated for 435 bhp @ 2,800 rpm, with a top speed in excess of 30 knots. The engines drive two 32-in. nickel-bronze propellers via Twin Disc 3:1 reverse/reduction gears and stainless steel shafts. The vessel features extremely robust hull scantlings and shear guard. Engine water is circulated under the decks to keep them ice-free. The boat's transom is equipped with a door, leading to a fold-down rescue platform. Onboard accommodations, for a crew of four, include a small galley, enclosed head and two bunks. The boat's interior is cooled by an oversized air conditioner. According to shipyard officials, sound levels in the wheelhouse are below 80 decibels at cruising speed. Sound absorbent insulation is installed under the deck and against the engine room bulkheads. A combination of a sound-reducing air-intake system, which traps noise from interior compartments, and heavy-duty, vibration-absorbing engine mounts, further reduce engine noise.