Defender-class boat

Not to be confused with Defender-class torpedo boat.
Defender-class boat
Class overview
NameDefender class
BuildersSAFE Boats International
OperatorsSee Operators
SubclassesDefender "A" Class

Defender "B" Class

Defender "C" Class
In service2002–present
Completed800[citation needed]
Active800[citation needed]
General characteristics
Displacement8.5 long tons (8.6 t)
Length
  • 8.9 m (29 ft 2 in) (A class)
  • 9 m (29 ft 6 in) (B class)
Beam2.6 m (8 ft 6 in)
Draught0.98 m (3 ft 3 in)
Propulsion2 × Honda 4-stroke outboard engines, 225 hp (168 kW) each
Speed
  • 46 knots (85 km/h; 53 mph) maximum
  • 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph) cruising
Range
  • 175 nmi (324 km; 201 mi) (A class)
  • 150 nmi (280 km; 170 mi) (B class)
Complement4 crew, 6 passengers
Armament

The Defender-class boat, also called Response Boat–Small (RB-S) and Response Boat–Homeland Security (RB-HS), is a standard boat introduced by the United States Coast Guard in 2002. The boats serve a variety of missions, including search and rescue, port security and law enforcement duties and replaces a variety of smaller non-standard boats.[1]

The design length of the hull is 25 feet (7.6 m) and the boat is officially referred to as such. However, the overall length with engines mounted is approximately 29 feet (8.8 m). Powered by twin 225 hp (168 kW) outboard motors, they are capable of speeds in excess of 46 knots (85 km/h; 53 mph) and have a range of 150 to 175 nautical miles (278 to 324 km; 173 to 201 mi), depending on the class. The boat requires a minimum crew of two persons, but has a carrying capacity for ten persons. The boat is easily trailerable and can be transported by a C-130 Hercules aircraft or truck.[2]

Although similar in appearance to a rigid-hulled inflatable boat, the Defender is actually an aluminum-hulled vessel, equipped with a rigid foam-filled flotation collar. The first generation of boats were built by SAFE Boats International of Bremerton, Washington, a vendor of government and law enforcement boats.[3][4] The replacement second generation was ordered in 2011 from Metal Shark Boats.

  1. ^ "25-Foot Defender Class Boat (RB-HS/RB-S)". United States Coast Guard. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  2. ^ Defender Class Operator's Handbook (PDF) (Report). U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard. June 27, 2006.
  3. ^ "SAFE Boats International". SAFE Boats International LLC. Retrieved November 11, 2006.
  4. ^ "GSA Sales page for SAFE Boats International". United States Government. Retrieved April 18, 2008.[permanent dead link]