40 boat order for Dutch rescue
Dutch aluminium boat builder Tinn-Silver is working on a 40 boat order that was placed by the Reddingsbrigade, the Dutch Life-saving organisation that provides rescue and support to users of the extensive Dutch inland waterways system.
This large contract is based on a standard design that is part of Tinn-Silver’s extensive model range with modifications made for the specific job.
These rescue boats are 5.50 metres long with a beam of 1.95 metres and with the outboard engine tilted then can operate in just 28 cms of water. The boat is mainly open with a one-person helm console at the stern where there is also an arch mast that carries the navigation lights and antenna and which can be hinged down to reduce the air draft. The hull is a moderate vee with construction in welded 4 mm aluminium. A heavy duty rubber fender is fitted around the outside.
Inside there are storage boxes for equipment that double up as seating. At the bow there is a push fender that can be used for moving casualties and aft there are towing posts on both sides. Power comes from a 50 hp Evinrude outboard which gives a speed of close to 30 knots.
Similar boats have been supplied in the past to the German equivalent lifesaving organisation and they are also in use with various Dutch fire brigades where they can be road transportable.
Further up the size scale Tinn-Silver has supplied one of its wheelhouse 700 boats to the German police in Hanover. This is powered by a single Yamaha outboard and features a drop down section in the side for casualty recovery demonstrating how the Tinn-Silver boats can be customised to specific requirements. A new addition at the top of the size range, an 870, has been supplied to the Czech police and this boat is powered by a pair of 260 hp Yanmar diesels coupled to stern drive propulsion.
The Tinn-Silver range of standard designs extends through 14 models from 3 metres up to the new top of the range size of 8.70 metres. The production is split nearly half and half between the requirements of the commercial sector and those of the leisure sector and because construction is in versatile aluminium it is possible for designs to be modified to meet specific demands. Most of the larger models are available in both open and wheelhouse versions.
By Dag Pike
