MetalCraft Delivers High-performace RIBs in Mississippi
Shipbuilder MetalCraft Marine said it delivered two 34-foot high performance patrol RIBs to be used by the Mississippi Department of Natural Resources Police in the coastal bay areas and offshore checking on commercial and sport fishing compliance.
Each boat is equipped with triple Suzuki 300-horsepower outboards, enabling the vessels to reach speeds up to 64 miles per hour.
According to MetalCraft, the Interceptor hulls are noted for their "Soft Dry Ride", with a fine entry which easily parts the waves and makes the boat very quiet.
The vessels feature a robust T-top and supporting structure, which is designed to ISO 12215 Category B, (12-17’ waves), the builder said. The T-top is specifically designed to deflect radar, that along with the low hull profile will provide a low radar signature.
On board each RIB, there are four suspension seats for crew, and the entire crew area can be enclosed with a Strata glass enclosure. Below the T-top is an oversize gun locker to hold rifles and side arms. The electronics suite by Simrad has an open array high definition radar antenna, twin 12” displays, GPS and depth sounder. Radios are by Icom. Ahead of the console is a large walk-in head with space for toolkits and easy access to the dash and electrical panels and very neat wiring all meeting ABYC standards.
The boats have wide side decks and are stable for boarding, and there is recessed lighting under the gunwale side decks. The RIB collars are Wing Inflatables heavy duty welded polyurethane foam collar with Rip Stop fabric. Each bow is covered by a robust push knee box with integral boarding step and portable safety railing. The push knees have twin 4.5” D-rubber fenders and provide superior protection for the collar and boat. The Wing collars also have removable dive doors built into the starboard side. The boats’ stability is calculated to ISO 12217 Category B.