US Coast Guard buys more over the horizon boats

The United States Coast Guard has ordered nine over the horizon-IV cutter boats worth approximately $3.89 million with the aluminum boat manufacturer SAFE Boats International.

Of the nine boats, four are headed to fast response cutters currently in production, and the other five will go to medium endurance cutters and various operational and training commands, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Deliveries from this order are expected to begin in October 2016.

The OTH-IV cutter boats deploy from their cutters to deliver boarding teams to other vessels at sea. They are 26 feet long and have a top speed of 40 knots.

Compared to the OTH-III, they feature increased cargo space and seating, higher speeds, and compatibility with both stern and side-davit launch and recovery systems. Thirty-eight OTH-IVs have been delivered, including boats for the five NSCs and 17 FRCs in service.