DETROIT — The crew of Coast Guard Station Saginaw River, in Essexville, Mich., took delivery Thursday of the station’s new 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, built by Marinette Marine, of Manitowoc, Wis.
The RB-M can respond faster than previous boats of similar size with a top speed in excess of 40 knots, has advanced search capability with an installed forward-looking infrared search technology. Additionally, with twin jet propulsion, the vessel is able to respond in shallower water.
The boat has a deep-V, double-chine hull, which provides a balance of performance and stability. The vessel is also self-righting. If it capsizes in rough seas, the boat is designed to right itself.
It can handle heavy seas and waves up to 12 feet and carry up to 24 people.
The RB-M is being added to Station Saginaw River’s current craft complement, consisting of one 49-foot Buoy Utility Stern Load Boat, one 41-foot Utility Boat, one 26-foot Trailerable Aids to Navigation Boat, one 20-foot Special Purpose Craft-Airboat, and one 24-foot Special Purpose Craft—Shallow Water.
With a top speed of more than 40 knots, the highly capable RB-M allows crews to arrive on scene faster. The RB-M is slated to take the place of the UTB. Station Saginaw River’s crew will continue to use its UTB until the RB-M becomes fully operational and steps have been made to divest the UTB.
