Metal Shark Boats of Louisiana has delivered a new response boat to the Jeffersonville Police Department of southern Indiana.
The welded-aluminium centre console boat measures 26 by 8.5 feet (7.92 by 2.6 metres) long and is fitted with a urethane-sheathed, close-cell foam collar to provide impact protection during berthing, boarding, or alongside manoeuvres.
Power is provided by two outboard engines. The outboards are kept safe from possible impact damage when manoeuvring alongside other vessels thanks to the installation of a protection bar.
Other notable features of the craft are its wide-open layout and wide gunnels that allow for easy access from bow to stern. Integrated dive reliefs on both the port and starboard side facilitate boarding and recovery operations. A removable dive ladder is also available.
Like other boats in the series, the Jeffersonville Police Department's newest Metal Shark response craft utilises a slightly console-forward design to create a spacious aft cockpit for the stowage of dive gear and other equipment. All walking surfaces feature non-skid flooring for secure footing, and grab rails have been placed within easy reach.
The vessel also features an oversized integrated hard top with drip rails and a full-height, three-panel tempered glass windshield to provide the operators with some protection from the elements and to reduce fatigue. The helm and overhead electronics pod have been ergonomically optimised with vessel controls, switches, and electronics placed in a manner that will enable easy and intuitive operation.
A large, weathertight in-dash storage compartment with a 12V USB power supply allows for the storage and operation of laptops and printers. The entire helm area also features glare-resistant matte finish blackout coating to enhance visibility even in low-light conditions.
The boat's electronics include a Raymarine radar and a rotating thermal camera.
The new police response craft will be operated primarily on the section of the Ohio River that passes through Clark County.
| 26-foot Police Response Craft | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | Response boat |
| Flag: | USA |
| Owner: | Jeffersonville Police Department, Indiana, USA |
| Builder: | Metal Shark Boats, USA |
| Hull construction material: | Aluminium |
| Superstructure construction material: | Aluminium |
| Deck construction material: | Aluminium |
| Length overall: | 26 feet (7.92 metres) |
| Beam: | 8.5 feet (2.6 metres) |
| Main engines: | 2 x outboards |
| Radar: | Raymarine |
| Fendering: | Foam |
| Other equipment installed: | Dive ladder; storage compartment |
| Operational area: | Ohio River, Indiana, USA |