The 67-foot Rock Solid features a design by Entech.

Master Marine Inc. (MMI) has delivered the 67-by-28-foot Rock Solid to Plimsoll Marine. Rock Solid is the third vessel that MMI is scheduled to deliver to Plimsoll Marine, one of the Lower Mississippi River’s premier pushboat operators. These four advanced vessels are designed by Entech Designs LLC and are fully compliant with all U.S. Coast Guard regulatory requirements.

“The delivery of Rock Solid marks another milestone in our effort to build and maintain our industry’s most modern and capable fleet of pushboats,” said Angus R. Cooper III, president, Cooper/T. Smith. “Our team prides itself on serving our industry as the premier push boat service provider on the Lower Mississippi River and our continued investment in the Plimsoll fleet is a testament to our pledge to always return the highest level of value to our customers.”

“Plimsoll Marine is proud to add Rock Solid to our growing fleet of world-class pushboats,” said Karl Gonzales, vice president of Plimsoll Marine. “Coupled with our team of highly experienced and skilled mariners, Rock Solid further ensures our ability to exceed the expectations of our customers in the safest and most efficient manner.”

The towboat is powered by two Laborde Products Mitsubishi 803-hp Tier 3 diesel marine engines operating at 1,400 rpm and coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Laborde Products also supplied electrical power with two Northern Lights 65-kW Tier 3 electronic controlled generators with R.W. Fernstrum keel coolers throughout.

A pair of Sound Propeller Services 70-by-48-by-7-inch, four-blade stainless-steel propellers provide thrust through two J&S Machine Works 7-inch ABS grade two propeller shafts with all Thordon bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals. RIO Controls and Hydraulics supplied the steering system for the two 7-inch main and four 7-inch flanking rudders.

Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics provided a pair of Quincy reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Schuyler Maritime supplied all 18-by-12-inch rubber fendering around the perimeter of the vessel and push knees.

R.S Price & Son provided a Carrier mini-split HVAC system in all interior spaces with Blakeney Marine providing all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donavon Marine supplied the large Bomar aluminum windows and Dales Welding and Fabricators provided the aluminum exterior doors. Wintech International, supplied a pair of 40-ton deck winches and New World provided all electronics and communications, with an alarm system from Unlimited Control & Supply.

Each of the four towboats have the capacity for 10,400 gallons of fuel, 4,359 gallons of potable water and 9,500 gallons of ballast water, along with providing a maximum 7-foot 9-inch working draft. Each vessel is outfitted with three staterooms housing six crewmen, 1 ½ baths and a full galley arrangement.

(Source: Professional Mariner – Cooper/T. Smith)