The backbone of Station 8 Hout Bay is its rescue craft, an 11,9-metre all-weather boat, the Spirit of Rotary, and a 5,5-metre semi-rigid inflatable, Rescue 8 Alpha, known as Bigfoot.
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| "Spirit
of Rotary" Built in Cape Town in 1979, this craft was donated to the NSRI by Rotary District 235. In 1994 it underwent a major refit which streamlined its operational functions. It has a maximum speed of 31 knots, a cruising speed of 26 knots and a range of 100 nautical miles. The boat is geared for a five-man crew and can accommodate 30 survivors. The boat is powered by two 375 hp Caterpillar 3208 engines. |
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| "Rescue
8 Alpha (Bigfoot)" This 5,5m semi-rigid inflatable craft weighs 250kg and is powered by two 60 hp Mariner engines. It is usually manned by three crew and can carry 10 passengers |
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