Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol comments on the capabilities of its new patrol craft

In the aftermath of a harrowing boater rescue on Lake Minnetonka (footage available for viewing at www.facebook.com/lakeassaultboats), the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol Unit in Minnesota praised the performance of its patrol and rescue craft.

The department worked with Lake Assault Boats to customize the craft to meet its unique requirements. ‘The folks at Lake Assault Boats allowed us to design everything from the seat cushions to the fire pump locations,’ explained Captain Shane Magnuson of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department. ‘No other boat manufacturer we contacted provided customer service to this level. We looked across the Midwest, and from as far away as Florida and Washington State.

‘The fact that we were able to test drive the hull was a huge advantage. The biggest benefits include a low profile that minimizes wind effects and allows us to bring victims in the boat quickly. The bumpers protect our boat and those we stop (about 2,000 each year), and the hull is the driest and smoothest design we have ever used or tested. In short, the boat is built for our waters and our specific needs.’

‘Our deputies spend over 10,000 lake hours a year on the water so they have a strong opinion on what works and what does not,’ added Magnuson. ‘This boat works.’

The 24ft craft features a ‘V’ hull design engineered for a smooth, stable and confident ride. It has an interior beam of 83in and a person and cargo capacity of approximately 2,500lb. The boat is powered by matching Mercury 200hp engines with stainless-steel props, power trim and tilt, hydraulic steering and is capable of reaching a top speed of 50mph.

The centre console aluminium hardtop pilothouse includes fixed windows, a forward-facing padded seat box, a weapons storage locker, and a folding bench seat for the operator and navigator. The boat is equipped with a full array of electronics, including a 12in colour touchscreen monitor, GPS and sonar. The craft also features a full array of navigation lights, dimmable deck lights (built into the gunwale), flood lights and interior courtesy lights.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol Unit, consisting of eight deputies and 22 special deputies, oversees waterways such as Lake Minnetonka and sections of the Mississippi River, and is responsible for boating enforcement, education and emergencies.

Lake Assault Boats are born in a shipyard, designed for a mission, tested on Lake Superior, and custom engineered using technology and resources unmatched in the fireboat industry. Lake Assault offers a wide range of custom hull designs and configurations suitable for use on inland lakes and rivers, and intercoastal and offshore waters, to meet the needs of first responders. What mission can we help you perform? For more information visit www.lakeassault.com