All American Marine Inc. built the 48’ x 21’ catamaran for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The R/V Auk will operate in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, located at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay. The sanctuary is 638 square nautical miles and is located approximately 25 miles east of Boston, Massachusetts.

The R/V Auk is the second research vessel built by All American Marine Inc. for NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary program. The 48’ catamaran is a shorter version of the previously built R/V Shearwater, which operates in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary near Santa Barbara, CA. Fabricated with all-aluminum construction, the vessel includes a unique hull shape with integrated hydrofoil technology developed by Teknicraft Design of Auckland, New Zealand. The Teknicraft hull shape offers a very stable research and dive platform as well as a smooth ride when cruising throughout the sanctuary. Additionally, the integrated hydrofoil system provides lift for the semi-displacement hull and aids in maintaining excellent fuel efficiency while cruising at higher speeds. Craig MacDonald, Superintendent of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary states, “I’ve heard nothing but praise from the operators and the sanctuary scientists who want to work on it. As a dive platform it is fantastic and what the divers really like is the unique forward exhaust system that allows the divers to emerge out of the water and board the vessel without being gassed by the fumes.”

Features of the research vessel include both a wet laboratory for examining specimens and a dry laboratory for processing data. On board the vessel’s main deck are a fully equipped galley and comfortable dinette with u-shaped settee. The catamaran offers accommodations for 6 researchers and includes heating and air conditioning for the entire vessel. Heated windows have also been installed to provide fog-free visibility in cold climate conditions. A Morgan Marine crane, 13’ RHIB tender, hydraulic-lift A-frame, Nuvair 7 Nitrox dive compressor, custom dive platforms, and scientific radar mast have been incorporated to equip the Auk for performing required research functions. The highly equipped R/V Auk will allow the sanctuary to save nearly $80,000.00 in charter fees each year.

The R/V Auk is powered by twin Cummins Marine QSC8.3M490 engines, each delivering 484 hp at 2500 rpm. The propulsion package includes ZF Marine 305A transmissions which drive Osborne 5-blade propellers. The vessel has a 20 knot cruise speed and can reach speeds over 28 knots. The Teknicraft designed hull and hydrofoil technology offer peak performance, while maintaining excellent seakeeping ability and high fuel efficiency. Wesmar bow thrusters have been integrated into each sponson to aid in maneuvering and holding position while conducting studies. Marine Operations Coordinator for the sanctuary, Just Moller, commented, “We are really happy with her performance and we really challenged the vessel with strong headwinds and very steep choppy seas during a squall line on our trip up North. She has been flawless so far.” Auk Captain, Robert Wallace goes on to say, “I really like what we are learning about the boat, its hull, and the hydrofoils and how it really gets up and goes. Being able to get out to the site 25 miles away from home base and back quickly will be a great attribute.”