Posted on September 21, 2021
Metairie, La., based Maritime Partners recently held a christening ceremony for the 3,400 bhp towboat David B. Fate at the John Bludworth Shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas. The vessel is named for Dave Fate, founder and CEO of Stonebriar Commercial Finance, who, back in 2015, provided Maritime Partners founders Austin Sperry and Bick Brooks with the financing to acquire the initial boat with which they began their maritime leasing business.
The David B. Fate measures 110 feet long by 32 feet wide and has a depth of 11 feet and a design draft of 8.5 feet. Wheelhouse eye level is 34 feet.
Main propulsion power is provided by twin EPA Tier 3-compliant Cummins QSK50M1s diesels. They turn 88-inch diameter Sound propellers, supplied by Texas Wheel Works in Port Arthur, Texas, via Reintjes WAF773 gearboxes with internal shaft brakes supplied by Karl Senner. Service power is provided by two 99kW Cummins generator sets.
Rio Controls & Hydraulics supplied the vessel’s steering system, while Rio Marine Electric supplied electrical equipment and wiring. Premium Electronics of Houston supplied the navigation and communication equipment.
Deck equipment includes a pair of 65-ton Patterson deck winches supplied by Stanley Parts & Equipment Company and a Schoelhorn-Albrecht Machine Company 14-inch, double barrel, 100,000-pound static line pull capstan.
The vessel’s laminated rubber fenders were supplied by M&M Bumper Service of Bourg, La.
