1. The hinges holding the control panel were too weak and had to be 

 reinforced for the test program. Figure 18. The manufacturer recommends 

 that the present swing-open control panel should be changed to a 

 quick-disconnect electrical fitting and the panels should be rigidly- 

 bolted to the deck during use. 



2. The plywood panels on the inner and outer rails appear unnecessary. 

 It was felt that under heavy wind conditions they may act as sails and 

 reduce maneuverability of the boat. Instead, a fence type barrier should 

 be provided. If the panels are considered important for some reason, 

 their border joints should be improved. Figure 19. 



3. The hasp latch and lock on the deck of the FTB protrude above the 

 surface of the deck thereby posing a hazard to men, boom, and other 

 equipment. Figure 20. They should be removed and replaced by lock and 

 handle combinations which are flush with the deck. 



4. The deck of the boat is dent resistant. A 36-inch boom connector 

 fell on the deck of the FTB from a height of about 6 ft and landed 

 with its edge first, thereby causing a dent mark of only about 



1" X 1/2" X 1/4" deep. 



5. Although antiskid surfaces were not investigated in this test 

 program, it is felt that it would be necessary to have an antiskid deck 

 during actual oil spill cleanup situations. 



6. The FTB did not have rubber bumpers. Although not tested in this 

 test program, it is felt that rubber bumpers should be provided. If 

 rubber bumpers are not acceptable, then the boat should have fenders on 

 both the port and the starboard sides . 



7. Backing down with a full load should be done slowly so as to 

 prevent water from washing over the transom. 



8. A locking mechanism should be installed on each roller so that the 

 roller could be prevented from turning when a crew member stands on it 

 inadvertently. This should be a required safety feature. 



9. To minimize the risk of damage to the rollers, the rollers should 

 not project out of the boat frame. 



10. All cleats should be flush with the deck, in a recess, to minimize 

 risk of damage during folding and unfolding the boat. 



11. Lifting the FTB out of water by a crane is not recommended. 



12. The railings are too light, and they might not withstand a man's 

 impact in adverse weather conditions. It is recommended that the railing 



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