News

By Steve Plunkett

The city’s Marine Patrol will spend $224,000 for a 30-foot Intrepid model 300 boat and trailer with twin 250-horsepower Yamaha outboards.
Dania Beach-based Intrepid Southeast Inc. will get $186,990 for the center console boat and trailer and to install the motors and police siren, lights and other accessories. Boca Raton will buy the two Yahama engines for $37,403 via a state contract.
Intrepid prides itself on building boats “the way they should be made,” one at a time, its website says. The manufacturing plant is on the other side of Florida, in Largo.
No date has been set for delivery, Police Department spokesman Mark Economou said.
“The new boat will go into service once purchase is approved, it’s purchased, motors are installed, it’s logo’d and emergency radios and lights installed,” he said.
The City Council approved the boat expenditure Aug. 21. Council members also renewed a contract with Palm Beach County to provide more waterway patrols during manatee season, Nov. 15 to March 31. The county will pay $17,000 for the increased manatee protection.
The Intrepid is replacing an older, identical vessel. Boca Raton has its Marine Patrol boats on a 10-year replacement cycle, Economou said.
The Police Department has three Marine Patrol officers, and each operates his or her own boat.
“They are out mostly day hours, but their shifts vary by day of the week depending on season and how busy it is on the waters,” Economou said.
Boca Raton will hold an online auction for its used Intrepid, city spokeswoman Chrissy Gibson said.