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PLATFORMS
We maintain four vessels to support the full range of nearshore marine field work. We conduct most of our operations from the Carolyn Dow, a purpose-built 36’ landing craft.
Our smaller Sled is a 25’ boat with diver amenities and some sampling capabilities.
A 14’ seine skiff and 12.5’ inflatable offer additional support on equipment-intensive projects and in limited access areas.
The Carolyn Dow
The Carolyn Dow is a 36’ x 10’ shallow-draft, high-speed landing craft. She was built by Munson Boats in Burlington, Washington. Munson worked closely with us to design and implement our vision for this highly customized research boat.
Our goal was to design a boat with the broadest range of capabilities possible at a trailerable scale.
The Carolyn Dow is our primary vessel, outfitted to support all of our near-shore sampling, surveying and diving operations. She is one of the most versatile and well-appointed in the industry and offers a safe, comfortable and efficient work environment.
A twenty foot a-frame travels the full length of the foredeck. Lifting capacity is one ton at full reach over the bow, 2 tons at vertical through the moon hole.
The boat has a modified catamaran hull, so she is stable, maneuverable, and can work in extremely shallow water.
The operator has a clear view of the deck and control of bow and stern depth sounders, sub-meter DGPS, three anchor windlasses, wireless hydraulic controls, and the easy button.
The house offers heat, air conditioning, microwave, wireless internet, 12v and 110v power, and well-placed work surfaces. Radar and work lights extend the winter work window.
Sample processing is facilitated by easy access to coolers and power at a work station, with fresh water and site water available at a self-draining processing table.
Centered under the a-frame at vertical, the moon hole was designed to accommodate geoprobe and to increase our lifting capacity.
Most work is done with the bow door horizontal, enabling safe and convenient access to the waterline. Working from the bow often allows us to sample in just inches of water.
30 kt cruising speed, 18" stern draft
Support Boats
The Sled preceded the Carolyn Dow as our primary vessel. This 25' flat-bottom boat is ideal for monitoring projects, and supports our sediment sampling and diving projects when the larger boat is unavailable. It draws less than one foot and can effectively operate in water 18-inches deep. The Sled is powered by twin 90hp outboards.
RSS started in 2002 from our 14’ seine skiff. Today we use the skiff when we need to shuttle crew and equipment from shore to ongoing sampling operations nearby. It is an excellent utility and support boat, and can be equipped for light sediment sampling and dive support in limited-access areas. It has a 50hp outboard and can be alternately fitted with a tow bitt or a davit.
We also have an Achilles inflatable available for shallow river work, crew support, and off-deck storage. It also allows us to access remote areas with divers and sampling equipment. The inflatable has a 20hp outboard and support for 12v accessories.
Supporting diving operations in Portland
Ferrying sand to the Carolyn Dow for a capping study in Anacortes
Accompanying the Sled on a diving project in the Willamette River
Outfitted for van Veen sampling in Lake Washington
Assisting clients on the Carolyn Dow with underpier access at the Port of Seattle
Playing with a ball