Salient_Characteristics.docx

New Vessel Specifications (Boat/Motor/Trailer) for Orlando field work – CFWSC - Orlando

The Orlando office needs a new boat, motor, and trailer because the current fleet of boats currently in Orlando are very old. The office is spending an increasing amount of money every year to keep them maintained, and the current 18 ft long Sea Ark boat is among the most popular with technicians performing field work on the rivers and lakes in our network due to its size and maneuverability. That boat is the newest one in the fleet, and it is 17 years old. It is still functional and will not be replaced, but we plan to replace an even older boat in the fleet. We have a mix of fiberglass and aluminum boats in our fleet, and the aluminum boats withstand the abuse of our work far better than those made of fiberglass. All aluminum boats we have are made of thicker gauge aluminum and welded at the seams. The benefits of this construction hold up to scratching and bumping against wooden or concrete bridge fenders, metal gage house poles, and suffer no damage when hauling materials and performing construction activities to build or refurbish our platforms. Our primary specifications are:

1. The ability to run on plane in shallow water, preferably under 12 inches, due to the often shallow and rocky conditions in Florida’s waterways. To meet this, the vessel will require a Jack-plate.

2. The hull should be constructed of heavy-gauge aluminum at least 0.125” thick to support the construction and daily activities our staff perform while working from a boat. Lighter aluminum hulls will not withstand the impacts of loading and hauling pipe, heavy equipment and cases, and the impact when waves push the boat against metal or concrete gage platforms or bridge fenders while anchored.

3. Hull length of at least 18-19 ft to provide room for a crew of 2-3 workers and their gear, which may include heavy construction materials such as pipes, concrete, and compressors but not too long to inhibit making tight turns in manmade canals or accessing gages with obstacles nearby.

In addition, the boat package will require the following features:

· 0.125 thick welded aluminum hull

· V-hull of 15-degrees

· Boat length 18-19 ft

· Bottom width 72”

· Center console with front seat/storage box

· Hydraulic steering

· Hydraulic jack plate

· 115 hp four-stroke outboard engine with stainless prop (matched to boat for best performance)

· Gauges: fuel, temp, water pressure, and hour meter

· 12V power port

· Safety horn

· VHF radio with antenna

· Automatic bilge pump(s)

· LED navigation lights

· Tandem axle aluminum trailer with brakes

· Spare tire mount

· Spare tire