Boat performs a variety of public sector tasks

Brunswick Commercial & Government Products’ (BCGP) 8.5-meter IMPACT 850 D is a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB). The company reports that most of the orders it currently has on backlog are for law enforcement applications. The boat is also a good fit for most patrol environments, from port security, military patrol boat, to fire/rescue.

Several units are already in production and the first was recently delivered to a law enforcement agency in the southeastern United States. It is part of the firm’s IMPACT RHIB product lineup.

The vessel is a hard-sided RHIB that features a hybrid air/foam-filled collar with a solid fiberglass top of the side of the boat (gunnel). The 850 D combines the characteristics of an air-holding and foam-filled insert collar to create a boat that features a solid fiberglass gunnel with the benefits of a collar.

The 850 D is suited for any situation where pulling along side another vessel is necessary. The unit’s collar is sturdy, which reduces risk of damage in a boarding situation. Also, because of the hybrid (air/foam) system, the risk of deflation is reduced. In the event the collar is punctured, the vessel will remain fully operational. In the photo below to the left: the helm of the 850 D.

“When we originally launched the IMPACT series in 2009, our intent was to offer customers a solution for boarding situations, which would protect both vessels from harm. The new 850 D capitalizes on that by providing a solid interior fiberglass gunnel, which provides protection for officers during shouldering maneuvers, as well as a more stable, puncture-resistant collar,” says Jeremy Davis, BCGP director of sales.

The model can accommodate different engine configurations, from outboard to inboard diesel. The boat can also be equipped with portable fire pumps if required. Later this year, the D-Collar option will be expanded to include the 750 IMPACT as well as the 10-, 11- and 12-meter IMPACT models.

Edgewater, Fla.-based Brunswick is a custom boat builder that has hundreds of options available. The firm gives customers the flexibility to create a mission-specific craft. The company delivers customizable crafts to commercial and government agencies around the world.  BCGP specializes in patrol, rescue, military, research and workboat applications.