Chesapeake Class
Maryland and Virginia Pilot Boats
Hampton Roads is the newest pilot boat in the Chesapeake Class, launced in 2018. This new boat for the Virginia Pilots is our latest pilot boat design using Volvo IPS propulsion. Two IPS boats are already in service in Tampa and Charleston. This one is a further development of the very successful Chesapeake Class boats, with over 40 of them in service around the country. At 56 ft. LOA and with a hull optimized for pod propulsion this boat has a top speed of 30 knots and a service speed of 25. In addition to joystick maneuverability and dynamic positioning, full trim and ride control via Humphree interceptors is included. This boat represents a new standard in pilot boats employing latest technology.
The Maryland and Virginia Pilots run their boarding operations from adjacent docks in Lynnhaven Inlet near the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. They board ships in the same seas and weather. It made sense to share similar pilot boats, and they agreed to do just that. The new boats are a development of the proven Virginia and Delaware 50-footers that have worked so well in those waters since the 1980's. The boats share the same improved deep-v hull and machinery, and vary only in arrangement and details reflecting each group's preferences and practice. We gave these new hulls more deadrise for an improved ride, more flare for better dryness and hull protection, and a wider waterplane for improved stability. Speed is up through the installation of higher output diesels. Creature comforts are improved with better sound treatments, seating, heating and air-conditioning.
Length, hull: 52'-56'
Length, waterline: 45'-49'
Beam: 17'-0"
Draft: 4'-10"
Fuel: 600-800 USG
Speed: 20-28 kts cruise
Power: Twin diesels, 500-700 hp each
Construction: Aluminum
Builder: Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding,
Somerset, Massachusetts