The Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station maintains a smaller vessel the RV Pimephales ("Bluntnose minnow") for sampling shallower (generally < 50' deep) near-shore waters and bays. The boat is trailerable making it an excellent vessel for a variety of sampling needs and locations. The RV Pimephales provides a sturdy platform for many types of assessments and is equipped with a small gill net lifter. The vessel is capable of fishing small trawls, larval fish tow nets, plankton nets, as well as gill nets.

Specifications:

Length: 23 feet
Beam width: 8 feet
Draft: 6.0 feet
Hull: Welded aluminum
Engines: Twin, 150 horsepower outboard motors
Running speed: 25-30 knots (12-15 mph)

Assessments conducted on the RV Pimephales: