NOAA Ship DISCOVERER

The DISCOVERER carries three small boats which my be used for a wide range of activities, including personnel and cargo transfer, rescue operations, diving, mooring and buoy operations, and sampling.

The Ridgid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), Hurricane model, is powered by a 165 HP, 6 cylinder turbo charged Volvo-Penta inboard/outboard engine. The RHIB is 24' in length and can reach a maximum speed of approximately 30mph. It has a fuel capacity of 55 gallons diesel, with a 2 person range of 100nm at 20 knots. The RHIB can carry 18 persons and is designated the DISCOVERER's rescue boat. It is equipped with a fathometer, portable radio and all required safety equipment. The RHIB has been used for moorings, buoy operation and transferring of personnel.

DISCOVERER is equipped with two Zodiac launches. Lauch descriptions are as follows:

The Zodiac, Mark 3 (Grand Raid model) launch is an inflatable boat, 15' - 6" in length, powered by a 25 hp outboard motor. It has a maximum capacity of 10 persons, with a maximum payload of 2,866 lbs. This is the preferred craft for mooring recoveries and can reach a maximum speed of 25 kts.

The Zodiac, Mark 2 (Grand Raid model) launch is an inflatable boat, 13' - 9" in length, powered by a 25 hp outboard motor. This is our back-up lauch and is not readily used. It has a maximum capacity of 6 persons, with a maximum payload of 1,323 lbs.

Each craft is equipped with portable radios when in use.

The Monark Utility Boat is a 19' aluminum boat, equipped with a 90 hp Johnson VRO engine. The launch has a total weight of 2,000 lbs, with a maximum capacity of 2,600lbs. It is equipped with a portable radio and runs at 25 kts.

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