The Aventura Police Department in Florida recently took delivery of a 29-foot, custom-built Fluid Watercraft rigid inflatable boat (RIB) for patrolling its active waterways. Located in Miami-Dade County along the Intracoastal Waterway, the City of Aventura has many miles of shoreline and canals.

“We were able to customize this vessel to our exact specifications and include capabilities not just to patrol, but to respond to medical emergencies, disabled vessels, collisions, and other disturbances,” said Aventura Police Department Marine Officer Troy Vezina. ”One specific need for increased patrol on the waterways is related to the high rate of theft of expensive marine electronics.”

Built by Fort Lauderdale-based Sirocco Marine, the patrol boat was designed and customized to the specifics of the Aventura Police Department. Powered by twin Honda 225 horsepower outboard engines, the Fluid Watercraft 880 Patrol is capable of speeds up to 55 knots.

The vacuum-infused GRP hull construction is lightweight and strong, capable of the toughest jobs. Multi-compartment, military-grade Hypalon removable tubes make the vessel virtually unsinkable and resistant to UV light, extreme temperatures and abrasion. The console is equipped with Simrad electronics.

“Aventura Police Department came to us with specific challenges and requirements, so we took the platform of the tried and tested Fluid Watercraft 880 Tow-Behind and modified it, adding things like long arm storage, dedicated spine board storage and cargo capacity up to 4000 pounds. The vessel is now perfectly equipped to meet the department’s specific challenges,” said Boyd Tomkies CEO of Sirocco Marine.

The boat is 29-feet long with a 9-foot, 6-inch beam. It has a maximum payload of 4,000 pounds, maximum capacity for 14 persons, and maximum 500 hp.