Final Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Comments Lake Kaweah Barge

1) 150hp is not going to be enough for this size boat.

a. 150hp is the minimum required.

2) They require a outboard and ask for a freshwater cooling system. This was once trialed by a company called Freedom Outboards. It Failed!

a. the freshwater cooling system shall be part of the outboard motor, not a separate component.

3) It is asked for an alum engine cover. Are they wanting engine counter sunk into middle of hull?

a. Outboard engine required in SOW. This vessel will not be outfitted with an inboard jet engine.

4) The SOW states “A minimum of 30 feet in length and a maximum of 35 feet in length with a minimum of 10 feet wide and a maximum 11 feet.” Is this 30 – 35 included the engine swim step?

a. Yes.

5) The SOW states “A minimum of 2, 30-inch-wide pontoon tubes with a slight vee for better performance and buoyancy. A bulkhead is requested no less than every 48 inches throughout the tubes. A heavy-duty rub-rail shall be installed around the entire edge of the vessel.” Does the beam overall included the dimension of the heavy-duty rub rail?

a. No.

6) A fixed aluminum latter shall be on the stern of the vessel.

a. Spelling change will be made on the SOW to reflect “ladder”.

7) The SOW states “A davit arm with the capacity to lift 1000 pounds and a minimum of 6-foot reach, mounted to the starboard bow of the vessel.” On center line?

a. No. Davit arm is to be affixed to vessel deck on the starboard side adjacent to the centerline ramp.

8) The SOW states “The center portion of the bow should have the ability to be raised and lowered and allow the hinge to be pinned at various levels of adjustment.” Please clarify – is this a ramp so that equipment can be loaded on the barge? If ramp is it to be mechanically or electric winch operated?

a. Not for loading equipment, only personnel. Ramp will be operated by mechanical winch.

9) The SOW states “An aluminum Tow Bit/Christ pole constructed of three- and one-half inch aluminum shall be welded to the centerline at the transom. A dive platform/pump protector is to run the full width of the transom and be constructed of a minimum of one-and one-half inch aluminum tubing. The platform will be covered with aluminum diamond plating, extending a minimum of 30 inches behind the transom at the center.” This seems to be referring to jet pumps, but the barge is outboard engine. Please clarify. Is the outboard engine to be mounted to a platform / engine bracket?

a. Outboard engine mounted to stern of the vessel, normal configuration.

Divers will utilize the front ramp for accessing the water.

10) The SOW states “The decking shall be constructed of .125 mm aluminum and shall be spray-lined with a non-slip, anti- glare material.” Assuming this is .125 inches? We recommend at least .188” for deck strength is that acceptable?

11) Is there a thickness requirement for the pontoons?

a. No. Utilize current industry standard.

12) Any beaching plate required on the pontoons for beach or shallow water grounding?

13) The SOW states “The aluminum engine cover is to be thoroughly insulated and isolated as to keep the decibels at the operator's console at 90 or less at any speed and material shall be fire retardant.” The engine is an outboard. No engine compartment required or is the requirement for the engine to be inset with a cover over it?

a. This requirement has been removed from the SOW.

14) The SOW states “The engine shall be a new outboard engine, or equal, with a minimum of 150 horsepower. Engine must meet all marine industry requirements and California state engine exhaust limitations. Catalytic exhaust manifolds are required.”

Is this a single 150 hp engine or twins? We recommend twin 150 hp for maneuverability set as far apart as possible.

a. 150hp is minimum required HP, prefer single engine.

15) The SOW states “Engine shall provide freshwater cooling to include raw/freshwater heat exchangers as required. There shall be access to drain the oil, including a hose attached to the engine to facilitate the draining of oil out the transom. The alternator shall be a minimum of 95 amps and rated for anticipated electrical load at idle engine RPM. Unit shall maintain all electrical systems while engine is at idle in fog or low visibility conditions.” Mercury, Yamaha, and Honda all 150 hp outboard engines produce 60 amp from each engine alternator. Is this referring to a specific brand?

a. No. But vessel will be operating navigation lights and has an installed Motorola radio for communications with emergency services.