One of my job perks

[bilgerat]

..working as a diesel engine tech. I get to go out for acceptance trials in these:

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2333054/7316833

Built by Marinette Marine in Marinette, WI.

45' aluminum hull

Twin 825 hp Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines

Waterjet drives

Rolls Royce control system. All throttle operations and steering are done via joystick

Air conditioned. Heated. Microwave.

Has the ability to right itself when completely upside down.

Capable of 43 knots (49 +mph)

I'm involved with the sea trials prior to delivery to the Coast Guard, so there's no .50 cal. machine gun mounted yet > I never get to have any fun.

I've been on two so far. The sea trials took place in the Hudson River. Pretty cool cruising past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Seeing the gap where the Twin Towers were was a bummer though.

[firefightn15]

Whoa, now that's a ride!  How are they going to take it when you show up with your fishing gear?

[Fishing Doug]

wow. the handling looks incredible for the size of the boat.   How much cash for one of these?

[bilgerat]

The handling is incredible. One of the test maneuvers is called a J turn, which is done at full speed without slowing down at all. Then there is an E (emergency) stop inwhich the boat comes to a complete stop from full speed within 7 seconds. The G forces are crazy.

As far as cost, I don't have an exact figure but it's safe to say it's well into seven figures. Everything is top of the line. On one of the trials we went well into the night. The night vision cameras were stunning in their detail.

Next round of sea trials are not scheduled until spring. We'll see about fishing then . One of the Coast Guard guys I met was an avid bass fisherman from Mississippi. If anyone will go for it, he will.

[Sfritr]

That is one SCHWEEET vessel

I wonder what type of trolling motor they will go for???

[SmokeRise1]

Where are the rod holders?

[D4u2s0t]

I could see it now, on the way to an emergency.  "can you slow down a little, my crankbait is spinning" lol

[dave]

Click over no the right and watch the self righting test.

[firefightn15]

That is one SCHWEEET vessel

I wonder what type of trolling motor they will go for???

Probably about a 220 hp Merc. ;D

[K_Mac]

It would take a fairly long shaft on that trolling motor! That is one of the coolest vessels I've seen. A couple of heavy machine guns and watch out bad guys.  8-)

[farmpond1]

It doesn't look like much in particular but the performance is stunning!  I can easily imagine someone getting tossed overboard if they aren't securely strapped in.