The R/V Sheila B. is a 30’x10’ PackCat aluminum hull landing craft built by the William E. Munson Co. in 2001. She has been in service since as a multi-purpose research platform. The unique hull design allows this vessel to work in the shallow waters of Elkhorn Slough as well as open-ocean, ranging from Pt. Lobos to Half Moon Bay. The removable seating atop the cabin is ideal for visual surveys of birds and mammals and a hydraulic actuated bow door allows easy transfer of gear, personnel and divers. The cabin area provides good weather protection and includes a head enclosure.

Boat specifications:
Length….……………………………..30ft 5in.
Beam.....……………………………...10ft
Draft….……………………………....16in
Bow door dimensions…………………6 ft
Max load capacity…………………….3500 lbs.
Horsepower..………………………….150 shaft hp X 2 = 300 hp(diesel)
Fuel capacity….…………………….…150 gallons
Fuel economy.………………………...5 gallons per hour
Speed.....………………………………1kt - 30kts (light ship)
Electrical Power……………………….DC-12V, 10 amp power socket / AC- 600 watt invertor
Capacity ……………………………… Offshore: 6 scientists/Captain Inshore: 15 passengers/crew
Davit ………………………………… .5 ft. lift, Capable of handling 250 lbs
A-Frame………………………………..Deck clearance (not including block): 9ft / Reach: 2ft. past bow door