I saw that too and was wondering the same thing. I can think of a few SAR cases in the Everglades/Florida Bay when I could have used one of those while stationed at Islamorada.
I think they would be good in that you don't have to worry about the motor,screw getting fouled or broke by underwater objects,I guess there are pros and cons in how they handle.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: chief74Ret,
They had two working in South Minnesota- I bet a few more in the Southern US. I bet they're great with all that debris under water. They seem to be becoming more and more popular. It's weird not seeing them surrounded by Florida gators and weeds.
D9 has some airboats, used mainly for ice rescue when the water is in it's natural state of ice. A bunch were taken down to N'awlens when Katrina came through, also.
D9 recieved two different sizes(18' and 20') in the winter of 2003-2004. We had the majority of them in the Detroit AOR. Nice boat that does wonders on the snow and ice (pretty dam fast). It's a boat that is cool to drive but you have to be thinking way ahead and have your escape routes handy.
you havent experienced anything until you drive a skiff with a 496 chevy on back through downtown neighborhoods. they will however beat the ever living crap out of you on the ice if you dont go SLOW.
I've used airboats in swamps and I know that I wouldn't want to traditional versions in a flooded urban area. Depending on the model, they're not that stable.
Now, the version pictured above with the airboat engine on more traditional boat frame might be ok due to the deep draft. Still, the penchant for the backdraft to kick stuff up might be kind of hazardous to others.
