Aircraft and Cutters

175-foot Coastal Buoy Tender (WLM) - Keeper Class

Characteristics:


Number in service Coast Guard-wide: 14
Length: 175 feet
Beam: 36 feet
Draft: 7.9 feet
Displacement: 845 tons
Buoy Deck Area: 1,335 square feet
Commissioned: 1996-2000
 

Thumbnail photo of 175-foot Coastal Buoy Tender

The 175-foot Keeper Class Coastal Class Buoy Tenders, along with the Juniper-class 225-foot seagoing buoy tenders, represent the new wave in buoy tending. They are the first Coast Guard cutters equipped with Z-Drive propulsion units instead of the standard propeller and rudder configuration. They are designed to independently rotate 360 degrees. Combined with a thruster in the bow, they give the Keeper-class cutters unmatched maneuverability.

With state-of-the-art electronics and navigation systems including Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) which uses a Differential Global Positioning System, and electronic chart displays - these buoy tenders maneuver and position aids more accurately and efficiently with fewer crew.

175-foot WLMs in Service:

Last Modified 2/5/2008