Lake Assault to showcase response boats at Indiana conference

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(SUPERIOR, Wis.) — Lake Assault Boats, part of Fraser Shipyards and a leading manufacturer of purpose-built, mission-specific fire and rescue boats, is showcasing two vessels at booth 9133 on April 11-13 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) Exhibition in Indianapolis, Ind. A 32-foot fire and rescue craft – shown courtesy of the Duluth Fire Department of Duluth, Minn. – is center stage. Also on display is a nimble 22-foot rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that is ideal for fast shallow water response.

The Duluth Fire Department’s 32-foot V-hull craft, named Marine 19, features a 10-foot, 6-inch beam and a carrying capacity of 3,500 pounds. It is powered by twin Mercury Verado V-8 four-stroke outboard engines (rated at 300 hp each). This is a brand-new engine offering that delivers power and fuel-efficiency for unmatched emergency response in its class.

The setup includes Mercury’s Skyhook Digital Anchor and Joystick Piloting systems, using GPS technology and an electronic compass to automatically control shifting, throttling, and steering in order to help first responders maintain heading and position when responding to an emergency. For example, when engaging the fire pump, the Skyhook Digital Anchor system automatically maintains the fireboat’s position so the operator can better concentrate on the mission at hand.

Other features on the Duluth craft include a 1,500-gpm Darley fire pump powered by a dedicated 365-hp engine, a remote-controlled 2,000-gpm rooftop monitor, a 12-foot, 6-inch long pilothouse (with a CBRNE positive pressure filtration system), twin 12-inch Garmin touchscreens, and a full suite of advanced electronics. 

The second craft on display at FDIC is a 22-foot Lake Assault Boats RHIB vessel engineered for fast and nimble fire and rescue response. This lightweight boat is able to operate in as little as 12 inches of water, and is an ideal fit for departments responding to a wide range of water conditions, including flooding. A heavy-duty buoyancy tube is available in three configurations: air filled, high-density foam, or a hybrid air bladder with a foam exterior.

For more information, visit www.lakeassault.com.

By Professional Mariner Staff