Last November electric speedboat specialist Voltari launched their Patrol 26 RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), a cutting edge patrol vessel designed for government, military, and security applications.

In December, ISED Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development) acquired a Patrol 26 CC for testing by the Canadian Coast Guard in the Pacific Ocean off British Columbia. Now the Coast Guard has taken delivery of a Patrol 26 RIB unit that will be patrolling the waters at the other end of the country – 6,100 kms (3,800 mi) away – in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“We are not only helping government fleets achieve operational goals but also contributing to a more sustainable future on a global scale,” said Tim Markou, President of Voltari.

The fuel savings of electric over fossil fuel are one big advantage an electric patrol boat has over the ICE variety. Another is that the silent motor operation and minimal heat output makes it ideal for military and security use.

Voltari are experts in carbon fibre hulls. CEO and Founder Cam Heaps is a long time speedboat fan who spent years customizing fibreglass boats by chopping off excess weight, then switched to building his own hulls out of lightweight carbon fibre.

In 2022 Voltari purchased the boat molds of one of the legendary ‘Miami Vice / Thunder Row’ builders and went to work coupling the amazing torque of high power electric motors with new ultra light versions of the classic hulls. The result was the Voltari 260 leisure boat. The Patrol 26 is the company’s first entry into the commercial and government market.

Read: How Voltari brought electric to Thunder Row hulls 

The Patrol 26 RIB has a carbon fibre deep-V oceangoing hull with 24-degree deadrise, topped with inflatable tubes around the upper rim. This combination aids bouyancy and stability and ensures superior maneuverability.

Powered by a trimmable outdrive with contra-rotating propellers, continuous power of 425 kW (580 hp) and peak power of 550 kW (750 hp), the craft has a top speed of 55 and cruising speed of 25-30 mph (22-26 kt / 40-48 khm).

It has been designed specifically for near shore search-and-rescue and patrol, with a range of up to 30 miles at cruising speed and 100 miles at slow speed. Markou said in response to a LinkedIn inquiry that it “provides a full shift (day) use within its application.”

It also has shock suspension seating for crew comfort and a fixed-mount FLIR thermal night vision camera. during demanding missions.a fixed-mount FLIR thermal night vision camera. A secure dry storage area near the helm is designed to hold marine flares and weapons.

For charging, the Patrol 26 RIB supports the J1772/CCS1 interface, which is compatible with Level 2 and DC fast charging. It can be charged at standard marine pedestals offering 50 or 100 A, allowing for a full overnight charge using dockside power. The same connector also enables on-trailer charging using most automotive charging stations, providing versatile charging options for operators.

Markou told National Defence magazine that “One of the biggest advantages of the boat is the cost savings. You eliminate the cost of fuel, and, having no service intervals on the motor or the powertrain, you’ve cut your service cost down to something very minimal,” he said. “In fact, we could go as far as to say it would be one-tenth the cost or less.” A company release estimated that the Patrol 26 RIB could save buyers $1 million per unit over 10 years.

Voltari has operations in both the USA (Fort Lauderdale) and Canada (Montreal and Merrickville). In addition to the Canadian Coast Guard order, a U.S. naval defense contractor has procured two units for a U.S. Navy security contract in San Diego.

“We are thrilled about the Patrol 26 RIB as it marks a significant shift for electric vessels in extra-rugged conditions, said Heaps. “We’re not just building a boat, we’re offering government institutions and militaries a solution that combines high speed, minimal environmental impact, and exceptional durability,”

Voltari

The post Voltari delivers 1st high speed electric RIB to Coast Guard appeared first on Plugboats.