Zodiac Pens Multi-Million Hurricane

Zodiac of North America has weathered its own “hurricane” with the signing of a contract in excess of $5 million with the U.S. Coast Guard to supply the new Marine Protector Class of 87-ft.

Coastal Patrol Boats (CPBs) with custom-built Hurricane 558 rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs). Per the contract, Zodiac is to supply a total of 52 H-558 RIBs to Coast Guard stations nationwide.

The 558s will be used to support the 87-ft. (26.5-m) CPBs in a wide range of Coast Guard operations, which include Homeland and port security, search & rescue, boarding suspect vessels, drug interdiction, law enforcement, and fishing and environmental regulation. Measuring 18 ft. in length, the H-558 is specially designed to launch from the stern ramp of the 87-ft. CPB – even in heavy seas. The H-558 carries a two-man crew and four-man boarding team, plus equipment.

The RIB is also equipped with a DuraRib Foam Collar system, which through its hybrid design combining an inflatable bladder secured inside a thick foam collar, improves the boat’s durability. Power is supplied by an inboard 200 hp Yanmar diesel waterjet engine. Special features include an advanced electronic system by Raymarine.