Second-generation special-purpose craft – heavy weather (SPC-HWX II) boat. Artistic rendering courtesy of Rozema Boat Works Inc.
Below is a Coast Guard news release.
I think these could replace 87 foot WPBs in some places and do so with lower operating costs.
It is time to replace the older 87 foot WPBs. The oldest are already 28 years old. In some cases they are being replaced by Webber Class WPCs, but other than the RB-M there is no smaller replacement is in sight. There is certainly no way the Webber class will replace both the 49 Island class and the 70 or so Marine Protector class.
These large surf boats could be very useful in areas around small ports that occasionally experience heavy weather.
Coast Guard awards contract for new heavy weather surf boats
SEATTLE — The Coast Guard awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract on Sept. 29 to Rozema Boat Works, Inc. of Mount Vernon, Washington to acquire up to six second-generation special-purpose craft – heavy weather (SPC-HWX II) boats.
The total potential value of the contract is $70.9 million and the first SPC-HWX II is anticipated to be completed in fiscal year 2027. The SPC-HWX II will replace the 52-foot first generation of special-purpose craft – heavy weather boats, which entered service in the 1950s and 1960s.
These vessels were retired in 2021 due to increasing maintenance challenges. Like their predecessors, the SPC-HWX IIs will serve in the Pacific Northwest.
These next-generation vessels are designed to perform a wide range of Coast Guard missions in extreme weather and challenging surf conditions that exceed the capabilities of other boats, such as search and rescue; disabled vessel towing; and law enforcement and ports, waterways and coastal security missions.
Measuring 64 feet in length, the SPC-HWX II will feature self-righting capability and be capable of operating in 35-foot seas, 25-foot surf, and winds up to 60 knots. Powered by twin 1,200-horsepower diesel engines, it will reach speeds of 20 knots, tow up to 300 tons, and operate up to 150 miles offshore. With accommodation for a relief crew, the SPC-HWX II will have an endurance up to 48 hours, a critical feature for long-range heavy-weather operations.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
First off that fly bridge looks too small. Having a roof overhead also reduces visibility. Working with a helo might be challenging. Back in the day we had stocks of Cup Noodles. Going out on the long tuna calls that’s what we ate. Coffee as well of course.
At 64 feet long I wonder if this will fit at some of the stations. Yaquina Bay might be iffy without some dock reconfiguration. They will be good for towing the bigger fishing boats though.
Never heard of this boat builder. How is their rep? Any other government gear?
Here is the company web site. https://www.rozemaboatworks.com
The on board relief crew idea should be interesting.
I’d be very surprised if anyone got any rest on the way out due to rough sea conditions. On they way home, it would be more likely as the tow would be hooked up and speeds would be much slower.
I’m curious to know just how much we’ve learned from operating the 47’s went into this design, if any. Those were a generation improvement over the 44 MLB.
I agree with you Chuck on the potential 87 trade off. It makes a lot of sense and could even offer some cost savings from a personnel and operational standpoint.
Is there still a mission for towing big fishing boats? We used to do a lot of that on the 82 WPB but that job got passed off to commercial salvage outfits when they started to complain that the govt was taking their business.