R/V Steadfast

 

The Steadfast is an all steel 108’ by 28’ single screw, house forward, Research Vessel. It was built in 1973 by MARCO, in Seattle, WA. It was built as a Bering Sea crab fishing vessel until she was retired in 2005 as part of a federal buyback program. In 2005/2006 the vessel underwent an extensive conversion. Bruce Whittemore was the original Naval Architect to draw and design all the MARCO America fishing vessels. They hired Mr. Whittemore to draw and design the transformation of his most popular fishing vessel into a research vessel. The Steadfast is equipped to stay at sea for up to 60 days.

 

Engineering

  • Main Engine: Caterpillar D398
  • Auxiliary #1: Caterpillar 3306 – 155 kW
  • Auxiliary #2: Caterpillar 3304 – 95 kW
  • Auxiliary #3: John Deere 4045 – 65 kW
  • 208v and 110v AC
  • 33,147 gallons diesel fuel capacity
  • 7150 gallon jet fuel capacity (for helicopter)
  • 3360 gallon fresh water capacity
  • Village Marine Technologies reverse osmosis type desalinator capable of 3000 gallons per day
  • Tidal Wave JW-200-B Type II Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) treatment system that is rated for 200 gallons per day. Feeds into a 130 gallon stainless steel holding tank.

Communications

  • Standard Horizon GX2000 Matrix VHF
  • Furuno FS4000 SSB
  • Furuno FS1503 SSB
  • Standard Horizon Intrepid VHF
  • Icom HF SSB radio
  • Marine Grade Starlink (and Backup)
  • Standard Horizon LH10 loud hailer

Navigation/GPS/Electronics

  • Nobeltec Navigation Software
  • Furuno FR 810D radar
  • Furuno NavNet with plotter, sounder and radar overlay
  • Furuno FCV 292 color sounder
  • Furuno FA 150 AIS Transceiver
  • Furuno GP32 WAAS/GPS
  • Northstar 952X GPS/Plotter
  • Garmin GMI 10 digital instrument display

Top Side

Steadfast plans

 

 

  • The aft top deck has been reinforced structurally and the pipe rails have been modified to fold down, creating a landing pad for helicopter operations.
  • 12-ton North American telescoping knuckle crane set on a steel pedestal
  • Deck crane is fitted with wireless remote controls
  • Deck crane is configured to be moved to a smaller pedestal for helicopter operations.
  • The aft bulwarks were modified to make them removable to provide access to the “A” frame. The “A” frame is used to tow equipment, bottom sampling, buoy recovery etc.

The boat offers a spacious, comfortable interior with ample room to work, share meals, and unwind during extended trips. Three staterooms on the #1 deck include a three-berth cabin aft to port with its own head and two four-berth cabins forward of the galley. A large dining area provides a welcoming place to gather, while a dedicated workstation offers 90 square feet of desk space for equipment, computers, and project work. Off duty, guests can relax on couches in the recreation area and enjoy a 50-inch TV, with an onboard washer and dryer adding convenience for longer stays. The well-equipped galley makes feeding a full crew easy, with a Frigidaire four-burner cooktop, GE and Emerson microwaves, a stainless steel dishwasher, a dual-basin ceramic sink, and a Bunn coffee maker. A GE refrigerator, walk-in cooler, and walk-in freezer in the lazarette provide generous storage for fresh and frozen provisions, supporting varied meals and comfortable living throughout the voyage.