Darglow Engineering and Halyard join forces to keep Falmouth Harbour pilot boat quiet and vibration free

Darglow Marine, acting as Halyard’s distributor in the South West has successfully reduced noise and vibration levels on Falmouth Harbour Comissioners’ pilot boat, LK Mitchell, by installing a new exhaust system from Halyard and four blade propellers from Darglow Engineering based in Wareham, Dorset.

The Falmouth Harbour Comissioners’ pilot boat was named after the late pilot LK Mitchell, who lost his life in 1974 whilst attempting to board a ferry in heavy seas. Following 32 years of active service, Pendennis Ship Yard was commissioned to complete a £374,000 re-fit to LK Mitchell, which included a complete renovation of the engine room, electrics, exhaust and steering systems.

The extensive re-fit has improved the fast and efficient running of the boat, as well as enhancing performance, safety and comfort for those on board by effectively reducing noise levels and crew fatigue. Halyard was able to design a bespoke exhaust system that routed out through the transom, to reduce the noise and vibration from the new twin 575hp Scania diesel engines. The exhaust system included high risers, Duplex spray heads, 8”specially tuned inline silencers and an exhaust alert system to detect overheating. It was manufactured by Halyard in the UK, and has enabled LK Mitchell to be smoother, quieter and faster, whilst reaching top speeds of 21.8 knots.

Assistant Harbour Master, Will Davies said: "Our crew work for long hours at sea, often facing tough and unpredictable conditions. Crew comfort is of paramount importance to us, which is why we decided to commission Darglow Marine to design and manufacture a bespoke exhaust system using it's own products in conjunction with Halyard's. Since LK Mitchell has undergone its re-fit, we have seen a huge improvement regarding noise and vibration levels onboard, signifying a highly successful collaboration between ourselves, Darglow and Halyard."