Kvichak Awarded Pilot Boat Project

Kvichak Marine Industries has been granted the contract to build a 72 ft. (22 m) all-aluminum pilot boat for the Columbia River Bar Pilots Association of Astoria, Ore. Named Chinook, the vessel was designed by Camarc, Ltd. Scheduled for an August 2000 delivery, Chinook will transport pilots across the Columbia River Bar - an area known for its adverse weather conditions and rough waters. Designed with a structural reinforcement and an advanced fendering system, Chinook can survive a 360-degree rollover while maintaining a safe return to its mooring with crew and equipment intact. The vessel is powered by twin Detroit Diesel 16V2000 M70 engines rated for 1,285-bhp each. Propulsion is provided by Hamilton waterjets. This combination allows for exceptional maneuverability, a top speed of 28 knots at full load, and a range of 250 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots.