This month, Fremont’s own aluminum boat manufacturer, Kvichak Marine Industries, delivered a newly constructed, self-righting, 74’ pilot boat, named ‘Astoria’, to the Columbia River Bar Pilots (CRBP). Designed by Camarc Ltd, of the United Kingdom, this vessel was christened in early March by the pilots who will operate it over the bar at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Known for its extreme weather and turbulent waters, the Columbia River Bar is where the river collides with the Pacific Ocean. The resulting conditions require reliable, stable and self-righting boats that can safely and successfully transport pilots to and from the ships and tugs that attempt to navigate across the bar. This is the third CRBP boat that Kvichak has provided for this dangerous work.
At a top speed of 29 knots, the ‘Astoria’ can hold two crew and four pilots. It comes equipped with accommodations for the two crew members, a climate controlled pilot house, and has a fuel capacity of 1,655 gallons. For additional information on the ‘Astoria’, or other boats built by Kvichak Marine Industries, contact the company at 206/545-8485 or sales@kvichak.com