Today, All American Marine (AAM), Bellingham, Wash., announced the delivery of a 74’x27.5’ aluminum hydrofoil catamaran patrol boat to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). AAM states the vessel, Barracuda, was designed and built to enhance CDFW’s capabilities in coastal and marine enforcement, playing a crucial role in safeguarding California’s marine resources for its Law Enforcement Division.
In a press release, AAM noted the vessel is equipped to handle a wide range of near coastal and offshore missions, including multi-day patrols, commercial gear inspection and recovery, fishery enforcement, and marine protected area patrols.
“This vessel represents a significant advancement in marine patrol capabilities for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” said Ron Wille, All American Marine President & COO. “We are honored to have partnered with the CDFW to build this innovative patrol boat, which will enhance their enforcement capabilities, allowing them to better perform their mission, particularly with the revolutionary Rapid RHIB Deployment System from Teknicraft. This feature will streamline operations for the CDFW.”
The vessel utilizes Teknicraft’s dynamic hydrofoil system, which minimizes drag, enhances fuel efficiency, and provides superior stability and passenger comfort, the shipyard noted. Powered by twin CAT C-18 diesel engines, each producing 800-hp, the boat has a cruising speed of 24.5 knots, with a top speed of 27 knots. Fuel capacity for the vessel is 2000 gals.
The vessel features a Teknicraft Rapid rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) launching and retrieval system, which is integrated between the aft sponson. AAM notes this feature allows for deployment and retrieval of the RHIB in under one minute.
Additional features include a FLIR M364C-LR High-Resolution Thermal Imaging video with tracking to assist with vessel monitoring duties, as well as a full Furuno electronic suite. The press release noted that technologies can also support some oceanographic and biological research, contributing to CDFW’s mission of marine conservation. AAM states the boat’s design includes spacious deck areas for illegal trap seizures, accommodations for up to 10 personnel, and the capacity to host additional passengers for day operations.
The vessel is constructed to United States Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter T standards.
Sea trials were conducted in Bellingham Bay to ensure the proper functioning of all systems aboard the vessel, including the Rapid RHIB deployment feature. All American states the delivery of this vessel marks a new chapter in their commitment to advancing marine technology and supporting conservation efforts through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
