Master Marine Inc. (MMI) has delivered the 67'x28' Rock Solid to Plimsoll Marine. The Rock Solid is the third of four pushboats that MMI is scheduled to deliver to Plimsoll Marine. The four state-of-the-art vessels are designed by Entech Designs LLC and are fully compliant with all Coast Guard regulatory requirements
“The delivery of the Rock Solid marks another milestone in our effort to build and maintain our industry’s most modern and capable fleet of push boats,” said Angus R. Cooper III, president, Cooper/T. Smith, parent company of Plimsoll Marine. “Our team prides itself on serving our industry as the premier pushboat service provider on the Lower Mississippi River and our continued investment in the Plimsoll fleet is a testament to our pledge to always return the highest level of value to our customers.”
The towboat is powered by two Laborde Products Inc. Mitsubishi 803-hp Tier 3 diesel marine engines operating at 1,400 rpm and coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Laborde also supplied electrical power with two Northern Lights 65-kW Tier 3 electronic controlled generators with RW Fernstrum Inc. keel coolers throughout.
A pair of Sound Propeller Services 70"x48"x7" 4-bladed stainless-steel propellers provide thrust through two J&S Machine Works Inc. 7" ABS Grade two propeller shafts with all Thordon Bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals. RIO Controls and Hydraulic Inc. supplied the steering system for the two 7" main and four 7" flanking rudders.
Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics Inc. provided a pair of Quincy reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Schuyler Maritime LLC supplied all 18"x12" rubber fendering around the perimeter of the vessel and push knees.
R.S Price & Son supplied a Carrier mini-split HVAC system in all interior spaces with Blakeney Marine providing all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donovan Marine supplied the large Bomar aluminum windows and Dales Welding and Fabricators LLC provided the aluminum exterior doors. Wintech International LLC supplied a pair of 40-ton deck winches and New World Inc. provided all electronics and communications, with an alarm system from Unlimited Control & Supply Inc.
“Plimsoll Marine is proud to add the Rock Solid to our growing fleet of world-class pushboats,” said Karl Gonzales, vice president of Plimsoll Marine. “Coupled with our team of highly experienced and skilled mariners, Rock Solid further ensures our ability to exceed the expectations of our customers in the safest and most efficient manner.”
Each of the four towboats have the capacity for 10,400 gals. of fuel, 4,359 gals. of potable water and 9,500 gals. of ballast water, along with providing a maximum 7'9" working draft. Each vessel is outfitted with three crew staterooms housing six crewmen, 1 1⁄2 baths and a full galley arrangement.
