Kvichak Marine Builds a Yellow Rose for Texas

Designed by Camarc Design, UK, the all-aluminum vessel is powered by twin Cummins QSK-38 engines rated for 1400 BHP each, which are coupled to ZF 4600 transmissions driving twin Hamilton 651 waterjets. This combination allows for excellent maneuverability and a top speed of ~29 knots when fully loaded.

Seattle, WA: Kvichak Marine Industries, is currently constructing a 75’ x 21’ Fast Pilot Boat for operation by the Houston Pilots on the Houston Ship Channel – deemed the world’s most difficult pilotage, because of the long, narrow channel and the heavy volume of shipping traffic that it carries.

The Yellow Rose will increase Houston’s pilot boat fleet to five vessels and is scheduled for delivery in March 2010. Since 1921, the Houston Pilots have been committed to the safety of the Houston Ship Channel and to their service to the shipping industry. The addition of the Yellow Rose demonstrates the association’s continued commitment to safety and will provide state-of-the-art transportation and accommodation to their current roster of 92 pilots.

Designed by Camarc Design, UK, the all-aluminum vessel is powered by twin Cummins QSK-38 engines rated for 1400 BHP each, which are coupled to ZF 4600 transmissions driving twin Hamilton 651 waterjets. This combination allows for excellent maneuverability and a top speed of ~29 knots when fully loaded.

“After extensive investigation, the Camarc pilot boat was chosen to improve our existing fleet,” said Houston pilot, Captain Bobby Kirk. “The Yellow Rose will operate in varied sea and weather conditions, often in heavy shipping traffic -- we felt this design best serves our needs in terms of safety, speed and outfitting.”

For additional information please contact Kvichak Marine Industries, 469 NW Bowdoin Place, Seattle, WA, USA; telephone (206) 545-8485; FAX (206) 545-3504; [email protected]; www.kvichak.com.