The custom-engineered vessel is powered by twin 350-horsepower outboards.
SUPERIOR, Wis. (April 8, 2021) – Lake Assault Boats, a leading manufacturer of purpose-built and mission-specific patrol, rescue, and fireboats, placed a 30-foot patrol craft into service with the Superior, Wisconsin Police Department. The vessel provides patrol and emergency response services on portions of Lake Superior, the largest of North America’s Great Lakes.
“We’re proud to have our hometown police department serve the region with help from this powerful patrol craft,” said Bob Beck, Lake Assault Boats director of sales and marketing. “Nimble, smooth, and stable – this vessel is poised to handle the wide-ranging water conditions found on Lake Superior.”
The Superior Police Department craft is a modified “V”, rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with a 10-foot 5-inch beam, an interior beam of 83-inches, and an overall height less that 13-feet 6-inches. It weighs approximately 3,100 lbs. and has a person and cargo capacity of 2,500 lbs. The aluminum alloy hull and superstructure are MIG and TIG welded throughout, including both sides of all water seams. An inflatable air collar is attached to all sides of the craft to provide 360-degree protection.
The craft’s estimated top speed is 50 knots for fast emergency response. It is powered by twin 350-hp Mercury outboard motors with stainless steel props, power trim and tilt, and a fuel management system. The boat’s draft is no greater than 18-inches when the motors are trimmed up and 24-inches when trimmed down. “It’s ideal for the rough waters encountered on Lake Superior, but the boat is designed to maneuver in tight, shallow water conditions as well,” added Beck.
A T-top pilothouse features a narrow aluminum hard top, and offers a built-in seat in front of the console, a weapons storage box, an overhead waterproof electronics box, and an adjustable windscreen. The dash console is outfitted with two Garmin 12-inch multi-function displays and provides ample room for electronics, throttles, and switches.
Superior, Wisconsin is located on the westernmost tip of Lake Superior (the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area) and is bounded by three bays and two rivers. The Superior Police Department, comprised of close to 60 sworn officers and 20 volunteer auxiliary officers.
Photo caption: Lake Assault Boats, a leading manufacturer of purpose-built and mission-specific patrol, rescue, and fireboats, placed this 30-foot patrol craft into service with the Superior, Wisconsin Police Department. The vessel provides patrol and emergency response services on portions of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes in North America. (Image courtesy of Christian Dalbec Photography.)