Page 34: of Marine News Magazine (February 2014)

order was placed as part of a Þ ve-year production contract awarded in June 2012 to MetalCraft Marine U.S. of Cape Vincent, N.Y., to produce the LRI-II. The Coast Guard has contract options to procure up to 10 boats, which will be deployed aboard the Coast GuardÕs National Security Cut- ters (NSC). The contract has a potential total value of up to $10.2 million. The Þ rst LRI-II was delivered to the Coast Guard February 20, 2013, and commenced testing activities soon thereafter. The LRI-II project was approved for full- rate production June 27, 2013, after successful operational and interface testing with Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf. The LRI-II is 35 feet long with a range of over 220 nau- tical miles and capable of achieving speeds in excess of 38 knots. The stern-launched LRI-IIÕs high speed and extend- ed range signiÞ cantly enhances its host cutterÕs ability to execute missions while underway, particularly in migrant interdiction and law enforcement operations where teams need to be put on scene quickly. Its ability to extend the reach of its host cutter is also critical to search and res- cue operations, enabling NSC cutter crews to patrol larger search areas. The LRI-II can carry up to 15 passengers, including crew, and safely operate in seas up to 13 feet. Boasting rapid acceleration and using Ultrajet brand wa- terjets, the vessel has superior steering capabilities. Both weight and thrust were key factors in choosing Ultrajet. The highly maneuverable hulls hull the National Security Cutter to move at speed, launch and recover the LRI-II at speeds of 9 knots. The Þ rst LRI II was delivered in Febru- ary 2013 and was immediately put into service with the National Security cutter Bertholf. Considerable work was put into the design to ensure the boat would perform above the threshold set by the Coast Guard. The key features that make the boat easier to retrieve up the stern ramp than all the previous test boats and LRI I were a combination of hull and system design features and an ergonomic layout that make the boat easy to handle and keep steady in the turbulent water behind the stern of a driving ship. The key hull design feature was based on MCMÕs vast experience with white water jet boats; the boat does not require lifting strakes for additional lift to make the de- BOATBUILDING February 2014 34 MNMN FEB14 Layout 32-49.indd 34MN FEB14 Layout 32-49.indd 341/20/2014 10:18:26 AM1/20/2014 10:18:26 AM