On Sun, 20 May 2018 12:01:38 -0400, Canal Lee wrote:

On Sun, 13 May 2018 23:40:29 -0400, Bob_R
wrote:

RV Auk eastbound in Cape Cod Canal.

from the NOAA web site:
The R/V Auk is the sanctuary's 50ft aluminum hydrofoil-assisted
research catamaran.

Auk is a multi-purpose research vessel designed primarily to support
the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary's science and education
missions.The vessel has been named the Auk in honor of an extinct
seabird that once wintered in these waters.

Nice catch . Unpainted aluminum seems to have won out for the design
of new government boats .

Thanks Lee. NOAA, Coast Guard, Corp of Engineers, they are all using
unpainted aluminum. I think the strategy is to make them so
unattractive that no one will want to steal them.
Bob