The Boston Fire Department has selected Moose Boats to build a new, custom dive boat. The 46' model M1 will be powered by two Cummins QSC 8.3 liter engines delivering 1,200 hp.

“The Boston Fire Department is looking forward to upgrading our current dive team boat to a Moose Boats, M1,” Boston Fire Department Capt. Doug Felton said in a statement. “The M1 will allow us to operate a dive boat year-round, as opposed to our current seasonal asset. The wider beam and catamaran hull will give us greater stability in the tumultuous waters in and around Boston Harbor. The enclosed cabin will extend our on-scene effectiveness by reducing fatigue from the elements during long-duration dive operations.”

The boat will be a major upgrade from the department’s current 2010-built 30' dive boat. “With frigid winters and blistering summers, the Boston Fire Department Dive Team will increase it’s operational capability all year long despite the New England weather,” said Felton. “Custom dive tank holders on the aft deck will increase ergonomics and keep deck space clear while underway.” 

HamiltonJet AVX Express controls will allow for tight-quarters maneuverability that is sometimes needed in Boston Harbor, and the catamaran’s inherent shallow draft will allow this boat to go into shallow waters that are inaccessible to other boats.

Additional specifications were not released.