The Gulf Surveyor, funded through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) serves the joint Hydrographic Center (JHC) at the University of New Hampshire. It has joined the University’s existing fleet and complements capabilities by offering a highly complex multi-mission platform. Larry Mayer, Director for UNH’s School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering and JHC Co-Director, states, “We are very excited about this new vessel that allows us to collect state-of-the-art seafloor and water column mapping data as well as the samples and ground-truth data we need to better understand what our remote mapping systems are telling us about the seafloor and ocean environment.”

The aluminum hull features the Teknicraft Design signature hull shape with a symmetrical bow, asymmetrical tunnel, and integrated wave piercer. Power for the propeller-driven vessel is provided by a pair of Cummins QSB 6.7 Tier 3 engines rated 250 mhp @ 2600 rpm and auxiliary power is supplied via a Cummins Onan 21.5kW generator. The suite of deck gear includes a hydraulic A-frame, davit, scientific winch, side mount sonar strut, and moon pool with deployable sonar strut.

The inspiration for the vessel design comes from the success of NOAA’s R/V Auk, built by AAM in 2006 and the 48’ R/V David Folger built for Middlebury College in 2012. Delivered in 2015, the vessel continues to perform beyond expectations and has become a great model for future research vessels.