waterpatrol.org

Watercraft

 

The Water Patrol Fleet consists of 12 boats of various sizes and with various functions. Each is fully equipped with Safety and enforcement equipment. Click here to see what is carried.

26 Foot Patrol Boats

The Water Patrol has four 26 foot patrol boats stationed at the Water Patrol Headquarters in Spring Park. They are used for routine patrol on Lake Minnetonka, and depending on the time of day and the weather conditions, are crewed by up to three deputies.

For deputy safety,  an onboard Mobile Data Computer (MDC) for most routine communications, and 800 megahertz radio equipment.

For public safety, each is equipped with first aid supplies, fire fighting equipment and "Heart Start" automatic defibrillators.

All Water Patrol Boats also have marine band radios. 

21 Foot Patrol Boat

A 21 foot Lake Assult is usually stationed at the Upper St. Anthony lock on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis, but is small enough to be easily moved where needed.

It is powered by a 200 HP outboard motor  The large open deck area makes it an ideal platform for diving or for body recoveries.

It is similarly equipped as the larger boats.

County Patrol Vehicle and Watercraft

In addition to Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River, the Water Patrol is also responsible for the other 103 lakes in Hennepin County plus the Minnesota and Crow Rivers.

This is accomplished by one of four SUV (Chevrolet Suburban) towing a 16 foot Lund boat powered by a 115 HP, 4 cycle motor.

The SUV is fully equipped with safety and rescue equipment. Click here to see what is carried.

 

20 foot Nautica Inflatable

The Nautica is a solid hull inflatable watercraft powered by two 150 HP, 4-cycle outboard motors.

It is lightweight yet durable and ideally suited for rescue and recovery operations in shallow water or where underwater debris may damage a conventional inflatable.

It is primarily used as a dive platform, and was invaluable during the recovery operations after the 2007 35W bridge collapse.

Other Watercraft

In addition, the Water Patrol has two personal water craft and two inflatable Zodiacs and the Ice Angel Air Boat.