Texas operator takes delivery of largest US-flagged all-aluminium pilot boat

By Baird Maritime - March 23, 2021.

Sabine Pilots Service of Port Arthur, Texas, recently took delivery of a new custom-built pilot boat from Louisiana builder Breaux’s Bay Craft.

The builder said that Spindletop is the largest all-aluminium pilot boat to sail under the US flag, measuring 27.4 by seven metres.

Four Scania DI16-82-M 596kW diesel engines drive a quartet of HamiltonJet HM461 waterjets to propel the vessel to speeds of up to 30.6 knots. It is also equipped with a HamiltonJet manoeuvring system that will allow operations in restricted waters and Humphree HA-1100 interceptors to ensure smoother rides at high speeds.

The boat has two staterooms with one double bunk each, a head with shower, and a transom-mounted rescue platform.

Spindletop was designed by Breaux’s Bay Craft and C. Fly Marine Services for operations in the Gulf of Mexico.