Iron Lady – First Runs

Iron Lady First Run 100

The basic dock check having been completed and stabilizers initialized,its time to see what she’ll do. The series of photos which follow have Iron Lady at about 34 metric tons / 75,000 pounds. She is doing approximately nine knots (instruments are yet to be zeroed in).

Iron Lady First Run 102

The first thing to note are the bow and stern waves, or lack thereof.

Iron Lady First Run 101

That is a svelte, or one could say sexy, bow wave.

Iron Lady First Run 103

The stern release is clean.

Iron Lady First Run 104

And the quarter wave at this speed and displacement almost non-existent.

Iron Lady First Run 105

The FPB 64 was an efficient, sea kindly vessel before. She will be even better now.

Iron Lady First Run 106

We have preliminary data indicating speed/RPM/fuel burn are in the targeted range even though initial runs are in shallow, brackish water which is hard on performance.

Stay tuned.


Posted by Steve Dashew  (February 1, 2011)




2 Responses to “Iron Lady – First Runs”

  1. Richard Says:

    Wow, nice addition to an impressive family of vessels. Look forward to hearing your feedback on the swim step addition and its impact on efficiency improvements. Is she going to make it down to Auckland at any stage soon? I would love to see it in person, even if only the outside.


  2. Steve Dashew Says:

    Hi Richard:
    Iron Lady will be cruising New Zealand waters until late fall, and she will almost certainly be in the Auckland area at some point.