The Vermont State Police recently took delivery of two specialized 25’ Ribcraft 7.8’s.
Delivered to the greater Burlington area, the RIBs will be used by the Vermont State Police Marine Division for all law enforcement operations including patrol, search and rescue, rapid response, victim recovery, and executive protection details on Lake Champlain. The Marine Division is responsible for recreational boating safety on all Vermont’s waterways.
The two 25'7"x8'9" RIBs will give the Marine Division a fleet of four Ribcraft RIBs. As with the previous Ribcraft deliveries, these boats were configured and built to meet the diverse operational requirements of the Vermont State Police.
The new 7.8s features a center console with windscreen and extended aluminum T-top, antenna arch, aft tow post, engine crash rail, heavy duty dark grey Hypalon tube with reinforcing at the bow, two rows of rubstrake reinforcing, and boarding wear patches. The 7.8 provides a comfortable platform for long patrols while offering an open deck for officers and gear. Powered by a 300-hp Mercury SeaPro outboard, the boat will reach speeds in excess of 50 mph.
Features of the Ribcraft 7.8 include:
- Center console with front bench seat
- Leaning post
- Extended aluminum T-top with windscreen and electronics box
- Aluminum antenna arch
- Aft tow post
- Engine crash rail
- Large open aft deck
- Fiberglass deep-V hull
- Keel guard
- Heavy duty dark grey 1670 dtx Hypalon tube with bow and rubstrake reinforcing
Originally designed as an offshore fast response craft, the Ribcraft 7.8 provides increased maneuverability and response capabilities along with a stable, dry ride, the company said.
Marblehead, Mass.-based Ribcraft manufactures RIBs with heavy duty inflatable tubes and deep V hulls that provide an excellent platform for search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime interdiction.
