Washington builder tapped for new enforcement boat for New Mexico State Parks

Tacoma, Washington-based boatbuilder Silverback Marine has been selected for the construction of a new law enforcement boat for operation by New Mexico State Parks' Rangers division.

The 21-foot (6.4-metre) boat will be designed by Swedish engineering firm PETESTEP and will feature a hull form featuring angled deflectors instead of steps. The deflectors will help significantly reduce slamming compared to a traditional monohull, thus resulting in a more comfortable ride and greater fuel efficiency.

The boat will also be fitted with a bow door for ease of embarkation and disembarkation, wrap-around fendering, SHOXS suspension seats, onboard dual weapons storage lockers, a lightbar, and a siren. The outboard propulsion will meanwhile deliver a top speed of just over 50 knots.

Silverback Marine's design work on the boat also entailed discussions with a number of law enforcement operators. Through the discussions, the builder identified requirements such as easy bow access, reduced operator fatigue, and the ability to access unprepared beaches.

Construction is already underway on the vessel, which is scheduled for delivery in the late summer of 2025.