Viking Welding Delivers Latest 28 & 29 foot Fire/Rescue Boats

Fire Departments in Maryland and Michigan have recently accepted delivery of  Response FR-280J and FR-290J fire/rescue boats built of welded aluminum by Viking Welding & Fabrication in Kensington, NH. 



The boats were designed by Response Marine in Newburyport, MA, in one case replacing a nineteen year old 27 footer, also designed by Response Marine. 

The FR-290J specifications were fully developed by the Tenth District VFD in Charles County, Maryland to serve the departments responsibilities in the Lower Potomac River Basin.   According to Response Marine’s Jim Comosa, “We worked off our successful Charlotte hull which is 30’x10’, but it was a big challenge to fit the required outfitting and larger cabin in the specified 29’x9’ hull. We spent a lot of time tweaking the 3D computer model, adjusting the bottom and chine shape, in order to optimize the boat’s trim angles.” 



The result is an easily trailered, 29’ x 9’ hull with significant capabilities and over 50 mph top speed.  While some features are common to Viking Welding’s other boats, company owner Don Johnson adds, “This boat offers about  as much capability as we could fit into a 9’ beam package.” 

The boat is powered by twin 300 horsepower Yamaha outboards and includes a separate 380 hp inboard engine to power a jet pump, which may be used both to power the boat and to provide water to the fire fighting system.  Sprint speed of the 12,500 pound boat is over 50 mph, and the fire flow is in excess of 3,500 gallons per minute.  The arrangement of the fire fighting system is such that the boat may supply shore with large diameter hose, as well as directly fight fires with handlines and the bow and stern monitors. 

The house includes two permanent EMS benches as well as twin shock absorbing seats.   A sophisticated navigation and communications package delivers full navigation and search capabilities in conditions of no visibility.  The system includes side scan sonar, thermal imaging, radar and redundant GPS/depth charting.  Other features of the boat include a 120 volt system with shorepower and 7.5 Kw generator, providing an impressive 6,000 watts of AC scene lighting, air conditioning and heat. 

The shorter & wider Response FR-280J was built for Glen Lake Fire Department in Glen Arbor, Michigan. The 28’x10’ hull is rigged with twin Mercury Verado 225 hp outboards, the same 380 hp jet/pump arrangement, and less extensive accessory outfitting.  This boat will respond to Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.

Photos provided by Tenth District VFD

Data Sheet:  Response FR-290J – 10^th District V.F.D.

Data Sheet:  Response FR-280J – Glen Lake Fire Dept.