Specifications

Chapter 5 – Operational Guidelines
WARNING
B.2. Seakeeping
Positioning the vessel with respect to the wind, seas, and other craft is
essential to prevent damage to the hull or injuries to the crew.
B.2.a. Operating
in Beam Seas
Operating with the seas on the beam is more uncomfortable than dangerous
when following basic boat handling guidelines. Use the following
techniques to minimize danger:
• Tacking - With large seas on your beam, tack across the seas at a slight
angle in a zigzag fashion. This prevents exposure of the beam to heavy
swells.
• Changing Course - To change course heading, allow the boat to lose
headway, turn the wheel hard over, and apply power to come smartly to
the new heading.
B.2.b. Operating
in Following Seas
Following seas present the greatest dangers to Defender Class boats. The
boat does not have the balanced buoyancy or ability to lay-to in a following
sea. The operational limitations are the controlling guideline and must be
followed at all times. Consider the following point and technique when
operating under these conditions:
• Do not power the boat over the crest of a wave and into the trough of the
next wave or bury the bow into the back of the next wave.
B.3. Stability
By virtue of hull design and equipment placement, Defender Class boats
provide for stable maneuvering through all operating speeds. Ensuring the
deck areas are always free of water and eliminating the free surface affect of
liquids are essential to maintaining stability of the boats.
B.4. Speed
Defender Class boats achieve a top speed of approximately 46 knots at 6000
RPM.
NOTE
NOTE
Avoid rapid acceleration unless absolutely necessary to prolong engine life and conserve
fuel. Maximum speed/power should only be used when operationally necessary. Under
non-urgent conditions, operate the boat at cruise speed.
Do not use rapid accelerations from dead-in-the-water (DIW) to full speed except when
necessary. This conserves fuel and helps prolong engine life.
The coxswain is responsible for ensuring that all required personal safety equipment
is worn, and worn correctly.
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