Rhoades Star

Characteristics:

The Rhoades Star was designed for Kaiser Jamaica Bauxite Company (Discovery Bay, Jamaica). She is a displaning-type catamaran designed to function as a pilot vessel and a push boat. The vessel profile, arrangement and hull configuration were custom-designed to suit the owner's requirements for speed and bollard pull.

A 3-D model of the hull, including internals and neat shell expansion, was created and used for hydrostatic, hydrodynamic and lofting purposes.

Schuller and Allan (Houston, TX) aided with the design. The use of a pronounced whale tail type bottom design was used to achieve the objective for speed and power delivery. The vessel performed her pilot duties with the stability and speed to work along side the bulk carriers and deliver more docking thrust than the chartered tug the owner had been employing. This "industrial strength" catamaran far exceeds the requirements of any regulatory body worldwide. This vessel has earned the nickname "The Pushy Cat", which fits her well.