ALMAR by North River craft are custom-made to meet very specific needs. With each component selected for function and reliability, Marine Exhaust Systems was chosen to dampen sound on six new specialty craft for the Panama Canal Authority.
The all-welded aluminum vessels are part of ALMAR by North River's Sounder designs, built to ABS high speed craft standard. Five serve as hydrographic survey vessels, part of the multi-billion dollar Panama Canal expansion project. The 33' x 10' craft run twin Yanmar 6LP diesel engines and Hamilton 241 jet drives. They carry sophisticated survey equipment, transducers and sounders to precisely map the Canal walls for future dredging and excavating work.
The sixth boat is a 34' x 10' Aids to Navigation vessel used mainly for buoy and marker light repairs, but is outfitted with eight crew seats for administration tours. It's powered by two Yanmar 6LY-3 diesels and Hamilton 274 jet drives.
These powerful propulsion systems, often idling all day in the close quarters of the Panama Canal locks and waterway, can produce substantial noise. The customer wanted sound abated to 75 dB at wide open throttle, which ALMAR by North River and Marine Exhaust Systems achieved together.
"A major component of that was the exhaust system. The customer is very happy with how quiet the boats are, it was an impressive project," said Jay Conn, ALMAR by North River general manager.
Marine Exhaust Systems was also up to the challenge of configuring its components within an extremely tight engine room space, with only approximately 3/4" to spare on either side. The company prides itself on working closely with clients to customize systems, assist with installations and ensure full customer satisfaction. "From measurements to completion, their design was spot on. The exhaust system fit perfectly for a good, clean, and easy installation," said Conn.
Founded in 1974, the first ALMAR boats were based on a riverboat racer hull design. The owner saw a need for bigger commercial vessels to operate in larger bodies of water, and designed the Sounder model. His extensive experience with jet drives was incorporated into these larger commercial craft. Sounder models are ruggedly constructed to stand up to the elements. They feature a 20° or 24° deep vee bottom for a stable, smooth ride and excellent maneuverability. With hull lengths of 18'-45', a choice of a fully enclosed cabin, center console, wheel house or walk-around cabin is available. More information is at www.almarboats.com.
Established in 1973, Marine Exhaust Systems manufactures complete diesel exhaust system packages, from turbo to transom. It offers superior exhaust risers, elbows, fiberglass mufflers, custom fiberglass products, silicone hoses, clamps and other high-quality hardware.
Contact Marine Exhaust Systems,
3640 Fiscal Ct., Riviera Beach, FL 33404.
Phone: 561-848-1238
Fax: 561-848-1298
Email: info@marine-exhaust.com
Website: www.marine-exhaust.com
