SUPERIOR, WI – 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 #9125 on April 26-28 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) Exhibition in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company’s first ever rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), featuring a modified V-hull design and a large protective collar that is ideal for fast shallow water response will be on display, as will a 28-foot fire boat powered by twin 250 hp outboard engines.
The 22-foot Lake Assault RHIB craft is engineered for fast and nimble fire and rescue response. The lightweight boat features a shallow draught, and is able to operate in as little as 12 to 14 inches of water. It is an ideal fit for departments responding to a wide range of water conditions including flooding. A patrol boat variant of the RHIB design was recently purchased by a county emergency response agency in northern Wisconsin.
“Our brand-new 22-foot RHIB is a natural product line extension for Lake Assault, and its development is in response to numerous requests we’ve received from first responders for a versatile, easy to operate, and value-priced craft,” explained Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats Vice President of Operations. “The RHIB can be launched and operated by a single person and can be configured for firefighting, dive, rescue and patrol operations. We’re very excited to introduce the RHIB at FDIC.”
The Lake Assault RHIB is rated for up to 225 hp and is capable of speeds in excess of 45 mph. It features a large open deck, a T-top helm station, and a centrally-located operator’s position for excellent visibility. The heavy-duty buoyancy tube is available in three configurations: air filled, high density foam, or a hybrid air bladder with a foam exterior. The craft on display at FDIC is equipped with a Darley 375-gpm pump powered by a compact Honda engine.
The second Lake Assault craft on display features a 28-foot hull length, a 9-foot 6-inch beam, and a carrying capacity of 4,000 lbs. Manufactured from high-strength marine grade aluminum, the hull and superstructure are MIG and TIG welded throughout for added strength and long life. It is equipped with twin Mercury Verado 250 hp outboard engines capable of achieving 40+ mph. Other features include a 1500 GPM Darley fire pump, a 76-inch tall pilot house, a full suite of Garmin electronics, and a 63-inch hydraulically operated bow door.
About Lake Assault Boats
Lake Assault Boats are born in a shipyard, designed for a mission, tested on Lake Superior, and custom engineered using technology and resources unmatched in the fireboat industry. Lake Assault offers a wide range of custom hull designs and configurations suitable for use on inland lakes and rivers, inter-coastal, and offshore waters to meet the needs of first responders. For more information visit www.lakeassault.com.
