 43 ft. Twin Waterjet Pilot RIB |
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The Charleston Pilots needed one vessel which could fill several roles: (1) a high speed, minimum-wake water taxi for the harbor, (2) a shuttle to transport pilots on rotation to primary boarding boats offshore, and (3) a special-purpose vessel for boarding submarines, tugs, and barges that might cause damage to conventional underwater gear and topsides.
The 40 ft. RIB fulfills all these roles, combining a Hunt deep-V hull with an inflatable collar and waterjet propulsion. The narrow deep-V hull has the proportions and deadrise of an offshore raceboat hull and so delivers the best possible ride in heavy seas. The inflatable collar adds stability at rest in addition to further shock absorption in rough conditions. |
