Looking for a used Coast Guard Cutter?
While trolling around I came across KCLM Sales in Pensacola who seem to be a clearing house for former USN and USCG small craft including a half-dozen ten-year old (well used) 25-foot Defender boats, a butt-load of old port security Sea Arks and Zodiacs, and several 41-foot Utility Boats.
As discussed earlier in the blog, I have a soft spot for the 1970s-era 41UTB craft, as they held the line in Coast Guard coastal LE and SAR for the past forty years. They were all built by the USCG Yard in Curtis, and mounted a pair of 375hp VT903 Cummings Diesels. They could also mount two M60 machine guns, but these are likely not included.
Among the ships in stock are the 1977-built 41342 from Mobile (whose sister is on display at the USS Alabama memorial), the 1974-built Port Arkansas boat, the 1979-built UTB 41466 from Detroit, and 1975-era UTB 41335 from a SAR station in Texas.
Prices range anywhere from $65-$200K depending on how many hours are left on the engines, how many cracks in the hulls, and how much working electronics are on board.
Still, if you know a maritime museum, USCG Auxiliary Flotilla, sea school, large NJROTC or Sea Cadet unit, conservation agency, or oceanography center looking for a deal and willing to put in some elbow grease, these could be a great way to save a piece of history.
Or it could always make a jam-up trawler-style yacht.