A 21-foot all-aluminum patrol/rescue boat was recently delivered to the Southampton, N.Y. Bay Constables for its law enforcement mission, the builder Silver Ships, Inc. announced.
The Freedom 21 center console boat was designed and engineered for one-man operation, which, according to Silver Ships, is a sought-after feature in today’s climate of staffing reductions by public safety agencies.
The boat is tasked with patrol, rescue and enforcement of various environmental, conservation, homeland security and town laws and regulations within the jurisdiction of the Town of Southampton which includes Shinnecock Bay and Inlet, Peconic Bay, Atlantic Ocean and other inland waterways connected thereto.
The all-welded aluminum vessel, designed and engineered by Naval Architect Lou Codega, PE of Smithfield, Va., features all-welded aluminum, ¼” hull; custom center console including aluminum canopy; upholstered leaning post with gun and storage lockers on aft end; ergonomically-designed helm area with seat bench/storage box on forward side of console; custom foam collar; self-bailing deck; safety rail package for crew safety; 12-volt DC electrical system; 250 HP Mercury four-stroke Verado outboard engine; hydraulic steering; 90-gallon fuel tank; tow post; LED floodlights and blue law enforcement lights; remote controlled searchlight; ICOM VHF radio; police radio; Raymarine radar, GPS, chart plotter, depthsounder and FLIR night vision system; Whelen PA/siren; and Boatmaster trailer
Malcolm Wisch, Silver Ships’ Northeast Regional Sales Manager, said, “The Freedom 21 Law Enforcement Vessel is sure to be a tremendous long-term asset for the Southampton Bay Constables and will be available year round operation. The customer is looking forward to the durability and ruggedness that an aluminum hull provides for law enforcement operations.”
Currently, Silver Ships, Inc. is completing construction of a Freedom 25 climate controlled full pilothouse with CBRNE capability and is expected to be delivered to the Southampton Bay Constables shortly.