Lake Assault fireboat enters service on Lake Conroe

AUGUST 11, 2016 — A 28-ft fireboat delivered in mid-May by Lake Assault Boats, Superior, WI, is now in service with The City of Conroe Fire Department in Conroe, Texas.

It will operate on Lake Conroe, created in 1975 as a joint project of the City of Houston, the Texas Water Development Board, and the San Jacinto River Authority as an alternate water source for the City of Houston. With 22,000 acres of surface water and 57 miles of shoreline, much of the lake is lined with residential developments.

The Lake Assault modified V-hull fireboat designed for Lake Conroe features a landing craft style configuration with a hydraulically operated bow door that enables faster and more efficient rescue operations. The boat is equipped with a T-top-style cabin (with a lockable rollup back wall for added security), twin 250-hp Honda engines, an Optimus 360 joystick control system, a 500 gal/min pump, Garmin radar and sonar with SideVu and DownVu, and a forward looking infrared (FLIR) system.

“When our purchasing committee put out for bids, we received eight quotes from different fireboat manufacturers from across the country, We carefully evaluated each and every one to compare specs, prices, and company history and reputation,” says Paul Sims, assistant fire chief for the City of Conroe Fire Department. “Together, our committee decided that Lake Assault rose to the top – that it represented the best value.”

“We are very proud to have earned this sale from a well respected fire department – and first-time customer – that is responsible for protecting vitally important water resources near Houston,” says Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats vice president of operations. “This custom-built Lake Assault fire and rescue boat is a versatile craft that is perfectly suited to meet the emergency response needs of Lake Conroe.”

“With Lake Assault, much of the equipment, such as the full length rub rails, were included in the price, while others listed these as additional items,” says Sims. “In addition, their packaged pricing on the motors, alone saved a significant amount. This type of approach is what really set Lake Assault apart.”

Initial pre-production meetings were held in Conroe. Subsequently, the craft was engineered and manufactured at Lake Assault’s facilities within Fraser Shipyards, Inc. on the shores of Lake Superior.

Prior to going into service, the company provided three days of on-the-water training.

“We spec’d an excellent boat, and the craftsmanship and quality Lake Assault provided was top notch,” says Sims. “Since its arrival, everyone that has seen it is in awe.”