Safety/Patrol Boat Updates

AB Inflatables: They Can Go Anywhere

AB Inflatables' Profile line of aluminum hull RIBS are built of 3.28-mil aluminum, making them lighter than comparable fiberglass hulls and tough enough for lake, river and rocky coastline duty. The tubes surrounding and supporting the boat are made from 1670 decitex Hypalon/Neoprene fabric. The A12, A13, A14 and A15 Profile models are designed for professional applications, such as rescue, police, fire, coast guard and military operations.

Workskiff Boats Enter Harbor Security Duty

Workskiff Inc. recently received acceptance from the U.S. Navy for delivery of boats to be used in the homeland defense effort. Workskiff was awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of the Navy for nine harbor security boats, boats that will be used in support of harbor security forces at Navy facilities and adjacent waterways. All nine boats feature twin 130-hp, four-stroke outboard engines, electronic navigation/communication, a five kW water-cooled generator, a four-man walk through pilothouse and a combination tow bit/weapon mount. The boats are crafted from marine grade 5086 aluminum, and each measures 27 x 8.7 x 4.5 ft.

Zodiac H-733 Drone tested by Navy

The U.S. Navy has taken delivery of a Zodiac H-733 to explore its potential use as an unmanned, remote control vessel for domestic harbor security. 23.75-ft. Zodiac RIB is one of several types of vessels being tested for use as unmanned, remote control surveillance vessels, also known as drones. The testing is part of the Spartan project, a military initiative that includes the development of such vessels to enhance homeland security. Dick Cromwell and his team from Inflatable X-perts (the Zodiac dealer responsible for the sale of this H-733) helped to facilitate the boat's delivery to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

Munson Delivers Packcat to Navy

Port Hueneme, CA: The Naval Facilities Engineering Command in recently took delivery of two 30' x 10' PACKCAT catamaran landing craft designed and built by the William E. Munson Company of Mount Vernon, WA. Developed for the NAVFAC Oil Spill Response Program, each vessel is outfitted with twin 200 HP Mercury outboards, providing a 45 mph response speed. Additional outfitting includes a 5' x 5' wheelhouse elevated for maximum visibility, cargo deck tie down rails, 3" D guard rubber, 200 gallon fuel system, towing package, work light package, VHF, GPS, and depth sounder. The standard 74" wide bow door, large self-bailing cargo deck and 5000 lb. cargo capacity and provide unlimited versatility. The PACKCAT's patented tunnel hull catamaran design incorporates twin 16 degree vee hulls providing increased stability, superb rough water performance and shallow draft.

SeaArk Marine Wins 36-Boat, $14M Deal

SeaArk Marine, Inc. recently won a two-year, $14-million contract from Naval Sea Systems Command for 36 Coastal Warfare Boats. The 34-ft. aluminum boats are powered by Cummins Diesel engines with Twin Disc gears and Konrad stern drives. Designed for coastal patrol and defense, these boats will be deployed to protect military facilities worldwide. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the primary purchasing office for U. S. Navy boats and ships, as well as non-combatant craft. John McClendon, President and CEO of SeaArk Marine, commented, "I am very proud of our team for securing this work. NAVSEA and SeaArk have worked extremely well together in the past and this contract represents a healthy backlog for us for the next 18 months". SeaArk Marine was also selected to construct the Navy's Harbor Security Boat-Small for the CINCLANT fleet and the Harbor Security Boat-Medium for CINCPAC fleet. According to Ken McFalls, Vice President of Sales, "We (SeaArk) realize this surge in business will be short lived. Therefore, we have made a concentrated effort to maintain our standard non-military production line as well as fulfilling the Navy's requirements".

Workskiff 25-ft. Oil Response Boat Delivered

Bound for the rough Mediterranean waters off the coast of Italy, a new Workskiff 25-ft. utility boat was engineered to meet the specific needs of U.S. Navy oil spill response crews. The 25-ft. boat is powered by twin 150-hp outboard Mercury Optimax engines, and are outfitted with a large center console, dive door, tow bitt and safety screen. The boat is touted as being unsinkable and trailerable. It is made of marine grade 5086 aluminum, and features full-length longitudinal girders in an integrated double bottom.