Flattop Boat 



1. The following measurements were carried out on the FTB : 

 Weight of the FTB, without the trailer = 5,240 lb. 

 Weight carrying capacity of the FTB = 4,350 lb. 

 Usable deck area of the FTB = 228 sq ft. 

 Safe capacity of FTB for carrying the 



36-inch Navy Bennett boom. _ = 500 ft. 

 Turning radius of the FTB 



(i) when self-propelled = 30 ft. 

 (ii) when pulled by a UTB = 30 ft. 



2. The hinges holding the control panels are too weak. 



3. 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 FTB. 



4. The hasp latch on the deck of the FTB protrudes above the surface 

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



5. The deck of the FTB is not skid-proof, and therefore unsafe for use 

 in harbor oil spill removal/recovery operations. 



6. The deck of the boat is dent resistant. 



7 . The FTB did not come with rubber bumpers to protect it from damage 

 during use. 



8. There is a serious danger of crew members slipping on the free- 

 rolling boom deployment rollers. 



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

 water from washing over the transom. 



10. There is a risk of damage to the rollers because they project out of 

 the frame of the boat. 



11. There is a risk of damage to the FTB during folding and unfolding 

 from the cleats because the cleats project above the surface of the deck. 



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