FEBRUARY 21, 2013 — Kvichak Marine Industries, of Seattle, WA, has been awarded a contract to build a 50 ft x 15.5 ft pilot vessel for the Southwest Alaska Pilots Association (SWAPA). SWAPA provides pilotage service in the coastal areas of South Central Alaska.

Designed by Kvichak Marine, the all-aluminum vessel will be powered by twin CAT C18 ACERT tier II engines rated for 715 BHP coupled to Twin Disc MGX-5135SC marine gears. Hamilton 364 waterjets are the chosen propulsors. This combination allows for excellent maneuverability and a top speed of around 32 knots.

The vessel will have a Wing Hybrid fendering system.

Delivery from the shipyard is scheduled for June 2013

Additional vessel features include:
Overall length: 52.3 ft    
Beam, overall: 15.5 ft
Draft (RFS): 2.75 ft    
Fuel capacity: 500 gallons
Top speed: ~32 knots    
Integrated navigation system
Northern Lights 20 kW generator    
Climate controlled pilot house
2 crew and 4 passengers    
Deck heating
Wing Hybrid fendering system     
Handrail heating