82′ R/V Manta for NOAA

All American Marine (AAM) proudly delivered the R/V Manta, an 82’ 8” x 30’ hydrofoil-assisted aluminum catamaran, built for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Operating in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, the Manta is NOAA’s most advanced and versatile research vessel to date.

Designed by Teknicraft Design Ltd., the Manta features:

• A semi-displacement catamaran hull, ensuring a smooth, stable ride with ultra-low wake wash energy
• Hydrofoil technology, optimizing fuel efficiency, speed, and seakeeping
• Lightweight aluminum construction, allowing for high-speed transit and extended research missions

Built as a flexible platform for multi-mission research, the Manta supports:

• Seafloor mapping, habitat characterization, and marine species monitoring
• SCUBA and dive operations, with twin dive benches for 20 divers, oversized dive platforms, and a Nitrox compressor
• Oceanographic research, utilizing a hydraulically actuated A-frame, scientific winches, and pole-mounted transducer brackets

With over 700 sq. ft. of working space on the aft deck, the Manta is equipped with:

• A Morgan Marine articulating knuckle crane and a hydraulic A-frame with 4,500 lbs. S.W.L.
• Markey Machinery Com-7H scientific winch and Kinematics Marine hydraulic trawl winch
• A Seakeepers Society weather and water monitoring system
• Retractable awnings on upper and lower decks, providing shelter from the Gulf sun

Designed for extended missions of up to five days, the Manta offers:

• Five private staterooms with climate control and bunk accommodations
• 250+ sq. ft. of dedicated laboratory space, featuring separate wet and dry labs
• A fully equipped galley with a range oven, microwave, full-size refrigerator/freezer, and ice maker
• A multipurpose settee with a 42” LCD screen, serving as a mess area, workspace, and briefing room

To support NOAA’s commitment to sustainability, the Manta is equipped with an AquaMatic 900-2 water maker, producing 900 gallons of fresh water per day, and a Tidal Wave Type II sanitation system, ensuring environmental compliance within the sanctuary.

Engineered for high-speed research operations, the Manta is powered by:

• Twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines (1600 bhp @ 2300 RPM each)
• ZF 3050 transmissions driving Hamilton Jet HM 571 waterjets
• A 27-knot cruising speed, with a top speed of 34 knots
• Fuel consumption of ~5 gallons per nautical mile, ensuring a 650-nautical-mile range

As NOAA’s fifth Teknicraft catamaran built by AAM, the Manta represents the pinnacle of marine research vessel design.

With high-speed hydrofoil technology, advanced research equipment, and superior crew accommodations, the Manta ensures NOAA’s scientific teams can conduct groundbreaking research while protecting one of the most important marine ecosystems in the U.S.