PILOT BOATS Introducing Tymac Crest and Tymac Wave…
Daigle delivers new vessels to Tymac Photo: BC Shipping News
J
Drew Hemmingson (Tymac Launch Service) and Steve Daigle (Daigle Welding and Marine) with Tymac’s newest acquisition.
>>> “The maneuverability...fuel efficiency, safety, durability, and flexibility of the HamiltonJet provide for better performance, greater control and a longer lifetime...” maintenance or risk of damage,” said Choich. HamiltonJet first started waterjets in the 1950s and has manufactured more than 50,000 waterjets that are serving on
Photo: Tremain Media Inc.
ob well done! Daigle Welding and Marine (DWM) delivered two new pilot boat/passenger vessels to Tymac Launch Service in early February and, based on demonstration runs for guests at the launch event in Campbell River, the boats will be the envy of the harbour when they’re put into service on the West Coast. What sets these boats apart from other vessels in Tymac’s fleet is the use of HamiltonJet waterjet propulsion systems. “It was a great team effort,” said Michael Gardiner from Jastram Technologies, Canadian representatives for the New Zealand-based HamiltonJet. “Working with Daigle Welding and Marine, Tymac, and HamiltonJet’s factory in New Zealand has been a real pleasure. I think we can all be extremely proud of the results.” Gardiner also gave a shout-out to the RCM-SAR Unit 2 , North Vancouver, who lent one of their response vessels to give Tymac operators a chance to try the HamiltonJet waterjet propulsion. Chris Choich, Area Sales Manager for HamiltonJet, spoke highly of the experience in working with all involved and gave an overview of the benefits of waterjets over conventional propeller systems. “The maneuverability at both high and low speeds, the fuel efficiency, safety, durability, and flexibility of the HamiltonJet provide for better performance, greater control and a longer lifetime with less
The Tymac Wave in action...the vessel can “turn on a dime.”
22 BC Shipping News March 2015
vessels around the world. Their expertise allows them to understand the wide range of conditions, situations and tasks a modern vessel needs to be able to carry on operations on a daily basis. With good reason to have a big smile on his face, Steve Daigle, owner of Daigle Welding and Marine, described some of the process that led to today’s launch. “In the fall of 2013, Mike Phillipson of Tymac Launch in Vancouver expressed interest in a waterjet propulsion pilot boat/passenger vessel,” he said. “Our naval architect drafted up some preliminary drawings and we sent these to HamiltonJet along with specifications such as speed, weight, intended use and weather conditions. Over the next couple of months, we worked together to come up with the design for a 37-foot vessel with twin 500 HP engines and Hamilton 322 Jets that meets Tymac’s needs for performance, comfort and lifecycle expectations.” From order date to delivery, the builds took 11 months. On February 5, 2015 the New Zealand Consulate General and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise hosted a