Lake Assault Boats, globally renowned manufacturer of purpose-built and mission-specific patrol, rescue, and fireboats, will deliver the first of two 35-foot patrol vessels to the U.S. Army’s Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) base later this month. The second vessel will be delivered in March; both were purchased through a GSA schedule contract.
MOTSU military terminal
Located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, MOTSU is one of the world’s largest military distribution terminals in the world. “We are thrilled to place these powerful and versatile patrol boats into service at one of our armed forces’ most important shipping facilities in the country,” said Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats vice president of operations. “It is especially gratifying to be selected by the U.S. Army and through our GSA schedule contract.”
The identical crafts are 35 feet long (excluding engines and engine guards) with a 10-foot beam
The identical crafts are 35 feet long (excluding engines and engine guards) with a 10-foot beam. The V-hull vessels are powered by triple 250-hp outboard motors capable of achieving a top speed of 45 knots. Each features a fully enclosed pilothouse with cuddy cabin and also has seating for ten persons. The hulls are protected by a polyurethane foam collar wrap, and each carry dual weapon mounts (one forward and one aft) able to accommodate up to .50 caliber machine guns.
Lake Assault Boats patrol vessels
The draft for each boat is no greater than 18-inches when the motors are trimmed up and 24-inches when trimmed down. “Despite the triple outboard configuration, and 750 combined horsepower, the vessels are able to maneuver in shallow water,” explained DuMars. Lake Assault Boats will provide eight hours of personalized training when the boats are delivered.
MOTSU is the key ammunition shipping point on the Atlantic coast for United States armed forces worldwide. The base is located on the banks of the Cape Fear River and has, within its borders, Governors Creek, Fishing Creek, as well as several smaller bodies of water.