New patrol boat for California Fish and Game

The first new patrol boat for the California Department of Fish and Game in over 27 years will be christened on Friday morning at the Monterey Wharf.

"The Thresher" is 58 feet long and 20 feet wide.

It has a unique Catamaran hull design and twin diesel engines.

The vessel can run at speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The Tresher has a special step-hull design, plus a secret hydrodynamics wind-foil made specifically for operation and fast maneuvering in very rough sea conditions, high swells and working in the surf zone.

The large deck space gives game wardens plenty of room for pulling nets and crab /lobster traps.

There is a hydraulic lift mounted on the stern for quick launching of their rigid-hulled, inflatable, Zodiac boat.

The vessel design originated in New Zealand.

Many navies throughout the world have adapted this particular design for their patrol vessels to better enable them to protect their fisheries and coastal zones.