VESSEL REVIEW | US builder unveils new series of compact landing craft

US-based Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, through its Lyman-Morse Fabrication (LMF) division, recently introduced a new series of landing craft workboats to serve customers in the marine research, maritime security, construction, pollution response, and emergency services sectors.

The landing craft were designed by naval architecture firm Response Marine to be durable enough for rigorous commercial use as well as less demanding recreational sailings. Two separate series have been introduced with one range consisting of 28- by 8.5-foot (8.5- by 2.5-metre) vessels and the other having 32.75- by 11-foot (10- by 3.35-metre) vessels.

The landing craft in both series will each have an aluminium hull, a drop down bow door to allow easy loading and unloading via unprepared beaches, and two Yamaha 250hp (186kW) outboard engines delivering cruising speeds of over 30 knots and a top speed in excess of 40 knots. Joystick steering will enable each craft to easily perform tight manoeuvres in confined spaces, such as during berthing and unberthing.

Each LMF landing craft can be customised to meet each client’s specific needs. Some of the equipment options available include a Morgan knuckle boom deck crane, a Garmin radar, tow posts, and a firefighting monitor with a dedicated pump and water tank.

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