The R/V Pacific Storm is an 84-foot OA steel-hulled research vessel with a 24-foot beam that is outfitted for year-round coastal service. The vessel can accommodate up to 7 people (beyond the crew) in 3 cabins for overnight and extended science missions up to 30 days duration.
The Pacific Storm was a commercial trawler gifted to the Marine Mammal Institute. It has been extensively refitted for research by private donations. Nearly all vessel upgrades and maintenance were undertaken in Newport, Oregon, by Curry Marine, Yaquina Boat Equipment, and 52 other local businesses.
The R/V Pacific Storm has excellent low-speed handling and positioning. A new 5-ton articulating A-frame on the stern can launch and recover small boats, moorings, and sampling equipment. Features include a dry-lab, knuckle boom with a 5-ton lifting capacity, and 30’ reach mounted slightly starboard of mid-ship that can service the entire back deck for loading/unloading supplies, boats, equipment, and other provisions.
The aft deck area measures 27’ long by 23’ wide and can carry an inboard 22’ Zodiac Hurricane RHIB. Additional boats or other equipment can be located behind the wheelhouse on top of the lab area. A series of 1500-watt lights illuminating both the deck and the waters in front of the vessel provide the capacity for around-the-clock work.
Maximum speed: 9.5 kts ~15 gallons/hr fuel consumption
Cruising speed: 8.5 kts
Fuel capacity: 15,000 gallons
Lube oil capacity: 100 gallons
Hydraulic oil capacity: 400 gallons
Water Maker 2800-gal tank, reverse osmosis 900 gallons of fresh water daily
Galley: stove, oven, freezer, washer/dryer, eating area
Berths: 12 (7 for science party)
Wheelhouse captain’s bed
V-berth sleeps 4 crew forward of the galley with adjacent head and shower
Below the back deck area there are 2 rooms with 2 bunks each and 1 room with a set of bunks and a single bed, with 2 heads and 1 shower for the science party
Interior room air conditioning
Washer and dryer
Air compressor with attachments throughout the vessel
Fuel transfer pump for bringing diesel to the aft deck for refueling small vessels
Spacious viewing platform on the new mast ready for survey work