Tideman Boats US, North Andover, Mass., has delivered the 23.2'x7.7' workboat Blue Ocean RBB 700 OB to Blue Ocean Mariculture, Kallua-Kona, Hawaii. Silverback Marine, Tacoma, Wash., outfitted the new boat.
"Our first USA-built Tideman Boat was a beauty, and it suits well that it went to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii," said Matthew O'Sullivan, Tideman Boats US, sales and business development. “This HDPE (high-density polyethylene) workboat is a game changer for the North American market and continues the legacy of our partner in Holland."
The Blue Ocean Mariculture RBB 700 OB will work off the coast of Hawaii for crew transport and dive support operations in deepwater.
The boat is designed to carry passengers and provide dive support for Kanapachi (amberjack) harvesting operations in Hawaii. The 100% high density polyethylene hull is, according to Tideman, sustainable, virtually indestructible, needs no bottom paint and is resistant to marine growth. The new boat will be part of Blue Ocean’s fleet of retired Navy landing craft and other vessels.
The new vessel is powered by a single 150-hp Mercury outboard that gives it a running speed of 35 knots. Blue Ocean RBB 700 OB is fitted with a Seastar hydraulic steering system.
"The Blue Ocean project was one of our most noteworthy projects of 2022. What was particularly special about this project was how well it was executed, considering the number of 'firsts,'” said Silverback Marine's founder Ian Gracey. “As the first Tideman HDPE vessel built in the USA, the client also had a demanding list of special requirements, including dive access, storage, and a bold, aggressive aluminum superstructure to complement the Euro-inspired lines Tideman hulls are known for.”
The electronics suite includes Shakespeare VHF antenna, Raymarine Axiom 7" DV with transom multifunction transducer, and Hella Seahawk lighting.
“At Silverback, we expect these HDPE hulls to dramatically impact the industry. Our entire team of seasoned boatbuilders was completely impressed with the product,” said Gracey. “The durability is unmatched combination that with the design, performance, and the A-Team at Tideman US behind it, it's going to change the way we think of workboats between 20' and 50' in nearly all sectors of commercial maritime.”
The boat, which carries a 50-gal. fuel tank, was built for a two-person crew and up to eight passengers.
