TowBoatUS San Diego Upgrades Fleet

Over the last two years Vessel Assist Has added a new boat to the fleet each year.  In 2008 Vessel Assist Chula Vista was built.  The new 28′ rigid hull inflatable capable of 45 knots was thrown into action as the Primary Rescue 21 test vessel.  Used only part time as a tow boat Vessel Assist Chula Vista performed as a backup vessel during the busy season while not running all over the ocean testing. Vessel Assist Chula Vista has a full complement of electronics with a redundant back up. The primary system is the Garmin 4212 and 5212 units with Duo Depth and radar.   Powered by twin 200 hip. E-Tech evenrudes Installed by Sunset Marine, Vessel Assist Chula Vista is the fastest Commercial towing vessel in San Diego. In 2009 Vessel Assist Lajolla was replaced with a 25′ Monarch.  This all aluminum Vessel was purchased at auction, completely stripped down to the bare hull Sand blasted and painted then a 200hp Cummins diesel with a Mecrusers 3 duo prop outdrive was installed.  Add to the vessel was a complement of electronics including a C 90 Raytheon system with depth sounder and radar. This year Vessel Assist San Diego will be performing major overhauls to the rest of its fleet.    Vessel Assist Harbor Island will receive a new look, the Integrated T-top with tow post will be sandblasted and re painted along with new tubes for the 24′ Aquascan.  The older 200hp Optimax outboards will be replaced with twin 200hp E-tech Evenrudes.  Electronics will include the Raytheon C 90 system with Depth sounder and radar along with other electronics.  The projected launch date for Vessel Assist Harbor Island is July 1st 2010.  Vessel Assist Shelter Island (our Flagship) just received a full repaint from stem to stern.  Pacific Yacht Refitters, operating out of Marine Group Boat Works, sanded the Shelter Island down to bare glass, primed and painted the vessel to yacht quality.  Running twin 450hp Cummins diesels, scheduled to be rebuilt in November, the 32′ Willard is the most powerful Commercial Assist Vessel in San Diego if not all of Southern California.  Vessel Assist Shelter Island is capable of running at 29 knots VASI  has a cruise range of 300nm with its extra tanks.  Known as our GOTO boat, Vessel Assist Shelter Island has landing skegs to allow it to touch bottom during salvage and un-grounding operations.  Electronics include a Raytheon E120 system with Sonar and Radar along with other electronics.  Vessel Assist Shelter Island is truly the model towboat for this area.  Vessel Assist Mission Bay is in the process of being transformed into a new vessel.  The hull has been stripped down to the stringers.  Pacific Pilothouse is building a custom fit wheelhouse complete with intergraded dash and military rear door.  Electronics will include a Raytheon E 120 System with Sonar and Radar along with other electronics.  New 225 gallon fuel tanks fill the space where the old diesel was and a 2010 315hp Yanmar Diesel with a ZT350 Yanmar drive will be installed.  The Mission bay’s top speed should go from 27 knots well into the mid 30 knot range with the new configuration.  Expected finish date will be August 1st 2010.  The final project and the largest will be the transformation of the Vessel Assist San Diego A 38′ military hull has been purchased and has been stripped to the stringers.  Pacific Pilothouse is building a custom fit house complete with integrated dash and military grade doors.  A 450hp Cummins will install with a Twin Disc 2 to 1 gear.  Top speed should be in the low 20 knot range.  multiple fuel tanks are being built holding close to 600 gallons Vessel Assist San Diego will continue as the long Range tow vessel.   So look for the new Vessel Assist boats this summer.