Gladwin Rural/Urban Fire Department Gladwin, MI SmokerCraft 14 Ft. Jon Boat & Cargo Express Trailer
Our department chose a SmokerCraft 14 Ft. Jon boat because of its light weight (250lb), large carrying capacity (900lb), its stability in a variety of weather conditions and its flat bottom. We added a 15 hp Mercury Outboard motor with generator. The boat was outfitted with Coast Guard equipment, navigational and emergency lights, and headlights. The boat has its own trailer, and the ice/water trailer also has a rack for carrying the boat on top. The boat has a multiple light connections and can be pulled using a standard 2" ball.
The trailer is a 7x14 ft Cargo Express with RV Door on the side and multi-directional vents. The interior of the trailer was modified to make two rooms, one for equipment and one for changing. The lights in the unit can be powered from the Ford F-350 4x4 brush fire truck used for towing, or there is a 5kw generator mounted on the tongue. The ice rescue equipment chosen was a Marsars Water Rescue System purchased through Michigan Rescue Concepts. The ice/water rescue package includes 4 Sterns Cold Water Rescue Suits, A Marsars Ice Shuttle, tether ropes, rescue slings, flotation vests, ice awls, helmets, throw bags and a reach pole. In addition. flood lights, a floating stokes basket, floating back board, 25lb fire extinguisher, and cold weather gloves were added.
Submitted by: David Sprang Photos by: Robert Frei
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