Research and Support Capabilities at FISC St. Petersburg

Vessels

Smaller Vessels

Small, shallow-draft boats, powered by small outboard motors, are used by the USGS for surveying and biological monitoring of nearshore, tidal creeks, and inland waterways. These vessels are used for day trips in nearshore, inland, and calm waters.

Jon Boat

A Jon boat is used to map features in shallow creeks and narrow inland waterways. [larger version]

The Jon boat, a narrow, flat-bottomed aluminum boat, is suitable for shallow waterways and tidal creeks, but the squared bow makes for a rough ride on choppy water. The Jon boat is limited to 1010 lbs. or 5 people.

Traditional outboard motors are fine on open water. A mud motor is used for waterways with dense vegetation, sand bars or exposed oyster reefs. The Jon boat also carries a fiberglass pole and oars for maneuvering in tight or muddy situations.

Gheenoe

The Gheenoe is a 15 ft canoe with square transom to carry low horse power (hp) engine. Used by USGS in narrow channels, tidal creeks, ditches, and other shallow waterways for fish sampling, field reconnaissance, groundwater, surface water, water quality monitoring, and bathymetry. This boat has limited range and limited carrying capacity, but can be launched from riverbanks and shallow shores. The gheenoe carries equipment such as basic marine-grade GPS units, YSI meters, nets, and sampling gear, usually with two to three technicians.

Gheenoe carries a small outboard motor, equipment, and technicians through marsh and mangrove creeks. [larger version]

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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/capabilities/vessels/smaller.html
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Page Last Modified: March 10, 2010 @ 11:49 AM (JSS)