Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

Only 4 built

Posted By: M. Hamilton
Date: Monday, 26 July 2004, at 12:46 a.m.

In Response To: This should command respect... *Pic* (Malcolm Schweizer)

Malcom,

The Victory is one of 4 USCG 52' MLB's built. They were stationed on the west coast and had a more severe sea capability than the famous 44' MLB's. I know a fellow who has operated many of the 44's and all 4 of these 52's which he vastly preferred to the 44's. He said that the 52's were the best Motor Lifeboats in the world. About a 12 knot cruise, twin Detriots, self righting, spacious crew area,lots of range, etc. He is a retired USCG MLB captain. Interestingly the boats that are replacing the 44's and 52's are 47'all aluminum vessels that have a much higher top speed. The 47's are full planing craft with twin detroits capable of speeds in the high 20's, and much quicker to self right. They cost about 1.7 million a piece, and are made by Textron Industries. The Canadian CG uses the same plans only their version is 4K lbs heavier and utilizes Caterpillar engines. They are not limited to 40k lbs, as the US boats are due to Ship davit capacity etc., on larger USCG ships, ports etc. I think the Canadian boats are built by MetalCraft corp in Canada. The 44's and 52's were slow displacement craft. The new boats are harder riding, but allow for faster response, and are thus more useful. But in the end there is no more capable surf rescue vessel than a jet ski in the hands of a good operator. I wonder when the USCG will realize that?

I often see these MLB's when I'm surf kayaking at LaPush or in Tofino. The US boats are bare aluminum, while the Canadian versions are painted red and white.

Messages In This Thread

This should command respect... *Pic*
Malcolm Schweizer -- Friday, 23 July 2004, at 6:36 p.m.

looks like it would be fun to ride that wave *NM*
sage -- Friday, 23 July 2004, at 8:16 p.m.

I count 5 ...
Mike Scarborough -- Saturday, 24 July 2004, at 7:29 a.m.

Re: I count 5 ...
Randy Knauff -- Saturday, 24 July 2004, at 9:01 p.m.

44', not 46'
M. Hamilton -- Monday, 26 July 2004, at 12:45 a.m.

Re: This should command respect...
Mike Condit -- Saturday, 24 July 2004, at 10:36 a.m.

Only 4 built
M. Hamilton -- Monday, 26 July 2004, at 12:46 a.m.

This is nice too ! *NM* *LINK*
Guru Mick -- Monday, 26 July 2004, at 1:57 a.m.

30 meter waves
Randy Knauff -- Monday, 26 July 2004, at 5:03 p.m.

Re: 30 meter waves
Malcolm Schweizer -- Monday, 26 July 2004, at 11:32 p.m.

Re: 30 meter waves
Randy Knauff -- Tuesday, 27 July 2004, at 3:43 a.m.

Re: 30 meter waves
M. Hamilton -- Tuesday, 27 July 2004, at 1:31 a.m.

Re: 30 meter waves
Jay Doorly -- Tuesday, 27 July 2004, at 11:56 p.m.

Re: This should command respect... *Pic*
Robert Woodard -- Saturday, 31 July 2004, at 6:41 p.m.

Re: This should command respect...
Malcolm Schweizer -- Saturday, 31 July 2004, at 7:04 p.m.

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