In 2022, the Coast Guard awarded a $104-milliion contract to Inventech Marine Solutions (IMS) for two hundred 5^th-generation over-the-horizon cutter boats. Last month, the first four of those boats were sent for testing in a variety of locations and conditions.

Each boat is outfitted with a HamiltonJet HJX29 waterjet, which has improved efficiency and cavitation margin.

All boats have also been equipped with a Hamilton AVX Express electronic control system. That system was modified by our team to ensure it functioned more like an outboard, particularly when reversing. This was a crucial aspect of the project, helping Coast Guard personnel who were more accustomed to operating outboard and sterndrive powered craft adapt to the new waterjets.

In a competitive bid process, IMS won the project based on their ability to deliver superior ride, control and comfort in rough conditions. The IMS craft exceled when running fast in 3-foot chop, and has a top speed in excess of 43 knots (with a cruise speed of 30 knots). 

The 25’6” vessels were designed for deployment from the decks of various Coast Guard cutters, and are purpose-built to execute over-the-horizon missions.

For added versatility, they also fit easily on a trailer, making it simpler for the Coast Guard to move, store and work on the boats. The new craft even meet c-130 loading criteria, allowing them (and their trailer) to be transported by air.

You can learn more about the vessels, and the overarching project, in this article on WorkBoat365.