Stumbled across the video above. It is extremely well done. It is very insightful including some good graphics.
Obviously the crew members were loving what they were doing. Looked like they were having fun and were proud of what they were doing.
The video would make a good intro for any future RB-M crew members. It could also be a recruiting video.
We could do worse than have this guy create a series of 30 minute TV programs just going around from station to station talking about the equipment and to the crew members about what they do. It would have the same kind of appeal as the very successful low budget program “Dirty Jobs.”
The amazing maneuverability also made me want to see jet drives on our bigger vessels.
Chuck,
Makes you wonder why the USCG is way behind in the drone game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7ZPjl7duCA
I seem to remember that Yaquina Bay tested out a jet boat as a SRB back in the 70’s. If I remember correctly they really liked it but the boat died in the North Reef surf after injesting kelp or some similar substance which killed the jet.
I think Depoe Bay had a 30’ SRB but it was fitted with screws.
We have a lot of RB-Ms and looks like they are very successful.
Jet drives are used on a lot of larger ships now including the Littoral Combat Ships and Expeditionary Fast Transports. Have not heard of any systemic problems with the jet drives on those ships.
On the other hand cutters spend a lot of time at low speeds, jet drives may not be as efficient a lower speeds.