Last April, The Watercraft Journal was proud to announce the addition of the SAR (Search and Rescue) runabout to their selection of Commercial and Government vehicles. Based off of the successful GTI platform, the SAR is a capable and reliable resource for search and rescue operators across the globe. We’ve personally seen the SAR in action and applaud the purpose-built execution of the craft…but only today did we learn that the SAR is not alone.
Although not a factory-built Yamaha, rather merely employing the use of already tried-and-true Yamaha components; the boat builder Safe at Sea out of Kungälv, Sweden, designed, assembles and sells the RescueRunner. Built out of tragic loss of six crew members of the Swedish Armed Forces SuperPuma rescue helicopter H99 that crashed in 2003, the RescueRunner was designed to perform waterborne lifesaving techniques capable of saving those original six crew members.
Gathering techniques from across the globe in beach and surf rescue, the RescueRunner builds upon these and implements them in its design. Designed by Fredrik Falkman and working in development with the SSRS (Swedish Sea Rescue Society), a Yamaha WaveRunner FX140 four-stroke 140HP engine and drivetrain are used on a custom-designed hull, featuring a low aft deck for fast loading and unloading, a safety tower housing a light and enabling the RescueRunner to be transported and launched from a helicopter, and an incredibly rugged polyethylene hull that can be quickly interchanged.
You’ll notice the seat is similar to a WaveBlaster, as it only seats one, but can accommodate a larger crew when two persons are standing aft of the driver. An inspection hatch permits for quick clearing of the jet, and can be equipped with underwater search lights, an AIS-transponder, and much more. Top speed caps off at 40 knots and holds up to 70 liters, or 18-plus-gallons of fuel. All in all, the RescueRunner weighs in at 771lbs. which is impressive given its sturdy deck and reinforced hull.
Great product!
I have heard that the oil industry and USCG are looking at them.