The 62’ Shearwater is the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) first custom designed scientific research vessel, and the first of four built by All American Marine, and operates out of the Channel Islands in California.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary’s new 62′ high-speed Teknicraft catamaran is primarily used as a research platform, conducting biotic and abiotic oceanographic research in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel in Southern California. In addition to this role, the vessel also serves as a host for educational field trips and emergency response in and around the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
The vessels’ A-frame and Markey Com7 scientific winch configuration are used for a variety of projects including trawls, CTD casts, sediment sampling, and towing equipment such as side scan sonar and ROVs. The wet and dry labs will allow on-board processing of samples and data.
Extensive dive operations will be supported by onboard facilities and equipment. Recent efforts within the Sanctuary have emphasized seabird research, archeological/cultural research (primarily shipwrecks) and collecting baseline data for emerging management issues. On board berthing, stowage, galley and safety equipment will allow multiple-day excursions with crews of up to ten scientists.
Its advanced navigational equipment coupled with a 28 port on board computer network with remote access to the mainland via a cellular interface will afford a tremendous platform for scientific research and collaboration.
During sea trials the boat reached 24.7 knots [over 28 mph] at 100% power. The vessel has a cruise speed of 20- kts at 80% power. With its 1,200-gallon fuel capacity, cruising range at average load is over 600 nm.
A unique hull shape and foil-assisted design cushions the ride even through the Santa Barbara Channel’s waves that sometimes swell to 6-8 feet. Two 600-horsepower Detroit Series 60 14-lt diesel engines and Osborne 5 blade propellers power the boat. The hull’s bottom paint SN1 is a nontoxic no-foul paint and adds to its eco-friendliness. A Kohler 20 kW diesel generator serves the vessel’s 110-volt electrical requirements. The boat is also equipped with a Bauer MII DVE dive compressor to support extended trip dive operations.
