The following is the text of a news release from Lake Assault Boats:
(SUPERIOR, Wis.) — Lake Assault Boats has been chosen to construct a 34-foot fireboat by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire in Pittsburgh, Pa. The fireboat will respond to emergencies and help manage fires on waterways, waterfronts, rail lines and marinas that lie along the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which join together in Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River. The contract is valued at more than $540,000. The craft will be delivered in summer 2017.
The fireboat will have a deep-V hull configuration, with an 11-foot overall beam. The boat will be powered by twin Yamaha F300 4.2L V-6 outboard motors, capable of a top speed greater than 40 mph.
The firefighting system features a compact Hale 80FC pump flowing up to 3,000 gallons per minute which is powered by a dedicated 6.6L Duramax V-8 diesel engine. The fire pump includes a 6-inch main discharge that feeds a number of outlets, including bow- and stern-mounted TFT Hurricane monitors, each capable of flowing 1,250 gpm.
The 11-foot-long pilot master cabin features excellent outward visibility and includes a 15,000 BTU rooftop AC unit, an adjustable (and full suspension) operator’s seat, additional bench seating, SCBA mounting brackets, a chart table with storage, and a cuddy cabin for general storage.
The craft also features a full spectrum of Garmin electronics, including chartplotter, HD radar, sonar, and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system, all controlled through 12- and 16-inch touch screens. Other notable features include a full complement of LED floodlights and spotlights, a raised engine compartment/work deck, an automatic engine compartment fire suppression system, a hinged radar arch, dive bottle racks, and a removable canvas awning.
Once delivered, Lake Assault will provide three days of on-site training with Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire personnel. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a fireboat in service in more than 40 years.
