USA: Kvichak Marine Industries has completed the launch of the 500th hull built at its yard in Ballard, Washington state, having designed, constructed and delivered aluminum workboats to hundreds of commercial owners and operators around the world for over 30 years.
The 500th hull, to be named 'Patrol 9', is a Response Boat Medium-C (RBM-C) for operation by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) Harbor Patrol Unit. The RBM-C is the sistership of the highly successful US Coast Guard RB-M, and has been adapted to meet the mission requirements of the SPD Harbor Patrol Unit. Last year Kvichak delivered its first commercial RB-M to the New York Police Department Harbor Unit.
Designed by Camarc Design of the UK, the all-aluminium vessel has an overall length of 13.7 metres, a beam of 4.4 metres and a draught of 0.9 metres. The vessel is powered by twin Detroit Diesel 60 series engines, rated 615kW each. Rolls Royce Kamewa FF375S waterjets were chosen as the propulsion, allowing for excellent maneuverability and a top speed exceeding 40 knots.
SPD will take delivery of the new RBM-C in late April, and the boat will be ready for service for the Opening Day of boating season on May 5.