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Fast Pilot Boat Exceeds Design Speed
01 Nov 2005
A twin UltraJet 451 propulsion system propels a new 74ft aluminium pilot boat built by Horizon Shipbuilding of Alabama USA. The vessel is scheduled for service at the Port of Umm Qasr in Iraq.
The combination of twin Caterpillar 3406E marine diesels driving UltraJet 451 waterjets through ZF350 transmissions was good for more than 24 knots in sea trials, exceeding the contract speed by a whopping 33%. The UJ451 reversing deflectors are independently controlled using Ultra's two lever electrohydraulic (EH) control system.
The hull was designed by Blanke Marine Services of New Jersey to ABS rules and was certified by ABS in New Orleans. It can be easily adapted as a fire boat, patrol vessel or small coastal crew boat.
New design features include an exterior deck plated in five bar checkered plate, providing a non-skid surface that is not abrasive. The vessel also has an extra heavy side shear plate with 6in ‘D’ fendering on the sides, doubled on the bow. A rescue ladder on the stern nestles between the jet drives.
MJ Information No: 21209
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