Fraternal Twins: Get to know the Maryland 53 Pilot Boat and Hunt 52 Sedan Cruiser.

By Dennis Caprio, Photography by John Bildahl / Published: November 8, 2011

Capt. Bob Mitchell slowed our pilot boat to match the speed of the freighter, the topsides of which rose above our port bow like a nightmare. She rode high in the water, the Plimsoll line that marks her maximum payload well above the surface. As we closed the distance between us, she revealed the spots of rust, scrapes and dents that she had earned in a hard life at sea and in port.