Arguably there are no two names more closely related to Pilot Boat design and construction in the United States than Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding and Ray Hunt Designs. Together the dynamic duo has designed
Arguably there are no two names more closely related to Pilot Boat design and construction in the United States than Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding and Ray Hunt Designs. Together the dynamic duo has designed and built more than 80 vessels – not to mention a vibrant refurbish and repair operation – design and building for pilot organizations around the country. In a recent episode of Maritime Matters: The MarineLink Podcast, a trio of executives: Peter Duclos, President, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding; Winn Willard, President and Robert Provencal, Designer, Ray Hunt Designs, discuss the evolution and future of boat design for this demanding operation.
For centuries, pilot boats have been the unsung heroes of maritime commerce. These specialized vessels meet deep-sea ships at sea, transferring local pilots who guide vessels safely through harbors, rivers, and channels. The job demands vessels that are fast, seaworthy, rugged, and above all, safe. In the U.S., few companies have had a greater influence on the evolution of the modern pilot boat than Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding and Ray Hunt Designs.
From Wood to Steel: A Post-War Revolution
Gladding-Hearn’s pilot boat legacy traces back to 1957, when the Delaware pilots approached the Somerset, Mass., yard with a unique request. “They came to
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