MetalCraft Marine

We have some good photos of some of the Kingston 30 Tow Boats commissioned by US Navy.

These great boats were built by MetalCraft Marine US Inc. in Clayton, NY. The last boat in the contract just departed for for Virginia.

More information in this April 2011 press release

Metalcraft Marine was recently awarded a contract by the United States Navy for the construction of eight of their tow boats. The tow boats will support the US Navy's spill recovery, support and salvage operations worldwide.

Fully loaded the aluminium tow boat can reach speeds of 34 knots with its Single Iveco NEF 450 hp engine rated at 420 hp (309 kW) driving a single UltraJet 305HT High Thrust Waterjet viz a ZF 280 gearbox. UltraJet waterjets were chosen for their high bollard pull for vessel recovery. During sea trials bollard pull tests achieved 3800 lb. Thrust vectoring is with Ultra's Hydromechanical control system with a single helm lever and the hydraulic power-assist steering provides light and responsive directional control.