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Toughest plastic workboats in the United States

Can Plastic Workboats Withstand Heavy-Duty Jobs?

The maritime industry is changing, with more builders using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to make heavy duty plastic boats. This shift has started discussions about whether plastic workboats can handle the tough jobs usually done by metal vessels. In this blog, we’ll look at what plastic workboats can do and take a close look at the HDPE barge model 25′ Tenli (IMHT825) from Legacy HDPE Boats as an example.

Benefits of Plastic Workboats in Heavy-Duty Applications

  • Durability and Resistance: Plastic workboats offer significant advantages in terms of durability and resistance to harsh maritime conditions. The robust construction of HDPE ensures these vessels can withstand environmental stresses such as corrosion, UV radiation, and exposure to chemicals, which are common challenges in heavy-duty maritime operations. This makes them particularly suitable for tasks that require resilience and longevity.
  • Fuel Efficiency and Maneuverability: Additionally, their lighter weight compared to traditional metal boats translates into better fuel efficiency and easier maneuverability. This is crucial for operations that involve frequent repositioning and access to remote or shallow locations.
  • Economic Advantages: Economically, the low maintenance requirements of plastic workboats lower long-term operational costs. The reduced need for frequent repairs and the material’s resistance to natural degradation help extend the lifespan of these vessels, enhancing their cost-effectiveness for commercial operations.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Moreover, HDPE’s recyclable nature supports the maritime industry’s shift towards more sustainable practices, aligning with environmental regulations and green initiatives.
With these attributes, plastic workboats are proving to be a reliable choice for heavy-duty tasks, challenging the traditional dominance of metal vessels and offering a sustainable, efficient alternative for demanding maritime environments.

Example from Legacy HDPE Boats: HDPE 25' Tenli Barge (IMHT825)

Specific Features and Capabilities

The 25′ Tenli model by Legacy HDPE Boats exemplifies the strengths of HDPE in heavy-duty maritime roles:

1. Hull Dimensions and Load Capacity:

The barge measures 25 feet in length with a beam of 8 feet and sides of 30 inches high, featuring a robust 3/4″ thick HDPE construction. It can carry a maximum payload capacity of 2,850 lbs, suitable for various commercial tasks. For example, it can transport up to 1,300 kg of construction materials such as sand and gravel to remote building sites or carry equipment and supplies for offshore oil rigs. It’s also ideal for supporting maintenance operations on bridges and piers, carrying tools and replacement parts.

2. Crane and Lifting Capabilities:

Equipped with a crane mounting platform, the barge can support a lifting capacity of 30,000 ft-lbs, making it ideal for heavy lifting operations often required in construction and industrial projects. For instance, it can be used in the construction of small docks or waterfront structures, where it might lift and place prefabricated sections weighing up to 14,000 pounds each. In industrial settings, it could transport and install heavy machinery components, such as 13,500-pound generators or large HVAC units for factory buildings. Additionally, for bridge repairs and maintenance, the crane could handle beams and concrete sections that are critical for quick and efficient work.

3. Stability Enhancements:

Stability is enhanced by integrated ballast tanks and folding stabilizer pods, ensuring safety and operational efficiency, particularly when the crane is in use. For example, when operating near shorelines for construction projects like building jetties or repairing seawalls, the stabilizer pods can be deployed to counteract the uneven weight distribution as the crane lifts materials such as 1,000-pound stone blocks or 1,500-pound steel beams. This system prevents tipping and maintains a level platform, crucial for the safety of the crew and the efficiency of the operation. During offshore tasks, such as setting up navigation buoys, the ballast tanks can be adjusted to stabilize the barge against waves and currents, ensuring precise placement and secure operations in variable sea conditions.

4. Customization Options:

The design allows for additional features such as a hydraulic winch and marine crane package, providing flexibility for specific operational needs. For instance, the hydraulic winch enhances the barge’s utility by facilitating the retrieval of underwater objects or equipment, such as pulling up a 2,000-pound submerged log during waterway cleaning operations or deploying anchor systems weighing up to 1,500 pounds for floating platforms. The marine crane package, which supports up to 30,000 ft-lbs lifting capacity, is ideal for projects that require moving large, heavy objects, such as placing 500-gallon water tanks on remote islands or installing large pieces of art in public waterfront parks. This setup not only increases the range of tasks the barge can perform but also enhances operational speed and safety by ensuring that loads are more manageable and securely handled.

Takeaway:

Plastic workboats have proven their capacity to endure the rigors of heavy-duty maritime tasks. With models like the IMHT825 demonstrating significant load capacity, robust construction, and enhanced stability features, these vessels are well-suited for a variety of demanding applications. As the maritime industry continues to prioritize sustainability and cost-efficiency, the role of HDPE workboats is set to expand, potentially redefining operational standards in the sector.

For those seeking robust Plastic workboats capable of handling demanding maritime tasks, Legacy HDPE Boats offers a reliable and innovative lineup. Engineered for durability and performance, these workboats are ideal for a variety of heavy-duty applications. To learn more about how these vessels can meet your specific needs, contact Legacy HDPE Boats at 307-299-3049.

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Legacy Innovations LLC | Legacy HDPE

Chuck
Chuck
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Legacy is the only company that harvests abandon HDPE pipe line and recycle it into environmentally friendly vessels, that fact is important to me, my company and our customers, and recycling should be important to all of us that work on the water.”
Chad Marquardt
Chad Marquardt
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“I'm very impressed with your craftsmanship and how clean everything turned out! I've got a 4 year old Bradford bed that is already rusting out , having a hdpe bed is inferior to anything else!! No rust, no paint! My favorite is the dog box , you have the structural integrity to be abused, but lightweight and very clean! Lightweight and skid along snow/ice easily!
Wainright
Wainright
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The difference for us is the in-house engineering staff. We needed a platform that was mission specific and did not exist prior to working with Legacy.
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