Alaskan crab boats, also called crabbers or crab fishing vessels, are specially designed fishing boats that are primarily used for harvesting crabs in the icy waters of the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. These boats are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, and their layout or floor plan plays a crucial role in their safety, efficiency, and success.
The layout or floor plan of a typical Alaskan crab boat is quite different from that of a regular fishing boat. Crabbers are usually larger vessels that range in size from 65 to 200 feet in length and 20 to 60 feet in beam. The layout of these boats is designed to accommodate the specific equipment and processes needed for crabbing.
The wheelhouse, located on the top of the boat, houses the captain and crew during crabbing operations. From the wheelhouse, the captain can steer the boat, operate the winches, and communicate with the crew on deck. The wheelhouse is equipped with a wide range of advanced electronic and navigational equipment, including radar, sonar, GPS, and radios, to ensure safe navigation and efficient crabbing.
Below the wheelhouse, towards the front of the boat, is the processing room. This is where the crew sorts, cleans, and packs the crabs. The processing room is equipped with several crab tanks that can hold hundreds of crabs at a time. The crabs are dumped into these tanks from the pots with the help of hydraulic systems. The crew then sorts the crabs based on size, sex, and species before packing them in the holds for transportation.
Towards the back of the boat, below the deck, is the engine room. The engine room houses the powerful engines and generators that power the boat’s propulsion systems and electrical systems. The engines are usually diesel-powered, and they can drive the boat at a speed of up to 11 miles per hour.
The deck of the boat is where the crew sets and retrieves the crab pots. The deck is equipped with hydraulic systems that operate the crane, winches, and other equipment needed for crabbing. The crew works in teams to set and retrieve the pots, which are loaded with bait and dropped to the ocean floor.
The layout or floor plan of an Alaskan crab boat is critical to the safety and success of the crew and the boat. It is designed to provide maximum efficiency and safety while harvesting crabs in the challenging conditions of the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. To sum it up, an Alaskan crab boat is a marvel of engineering that combines advanced technology, skilled crew, and robust design to harvest one of the most sought-after seafood delicacies in the world.