Hancock, ME – The Canadian Coast Guard has selected Piranha Dual Line Cutters for its newest fleet of 62ft “Bay Class” search and rescue (SAR) lifeboats currently under construction at Hike Metal Products in Wheatley, Ontario.
The line cutters, designed and manufactured by R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware in Hancock, ME, are engineered to install easily on a boat’s propeller shaft providing superior protection from marine debris that can entangle in a boat’s propulsion equipment and render it inoperable.
Piranha line cutters are well known in the Gulf of Maine commercial fishing fleet for their effectiveness and durability, however, this particular application is a further testament to the product’s value over the last decade, and the skill of the Maine craftspeople who make them.
“The Canadian Coast Guard operates in some of the most challenging marine environments in the world, and we’re honored they have chosen our Piranha line cutters to help keep their boats mission ready,” explained R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware president, Ben Dinsmore. “It’s one thing to miss a day of fishing on the water, it’s quite another to miss a day of saving lives and protecting the marine environment because a boat is out of service due to line entanglement.”
Each of the Coast Guard’s self-righting “Bay Class” vessels will feature a pair of 1600 HP MTU marine diesel engines powering two 4 ½” propeller shafts for a maximum vessel speed of 25 knots. They will be operated by 4 to 5 man crews with an autonomous range of over 100 miles offshore.
Manufactured from stainless steel, Piranha line cutters are available in shaft diameters from 1” to 5.5” (custom sizes including metric are available by special order). They feature dual serrated blades which are precision machined and hand sharpened for maximum cutting potential. They are available for purchase through the company’s website or by calling (207) 422-6532.
Since 1973, R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware has built its reputation as a premiere US based manufacturer of quality marine hardware and marine running gear for inboard powered boats. If you’re having a boat built, repaired, or restored, talk to your marine service professional about R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware’s complete line quality products or contact us today about your next project.
