Approve the expenditure of $318,050.00 for the purchase of a 28’ Munson aluminum catamaran landing craft for use by the Fort Pierce City Marina within the Fort Pierce waterways.

The purpose is to purchase and build a specially designed Munson aluminum catamaran landing craft, which would provide a vessel that can assist staff in various areas of the marina, with code compliance, and emergencies on the Inter-Coastal waterways of St. Lucie County. The vessel will assist the City of Fort Pierce for future, long term advantages. William E. Munson, Company is a sole-source manufacturer of a multi-function, multipurpose vessel that has many capabilities. They have a unique design for the multi-use marina landing craft with U.S. Patents D739331S and 8281730B2. Their vessel is made of aluminum grade metal which provides hull structure longevity. This vessel is widely used in government applications throughout the United States. The vessel in question has been altered to adapt to the marina manager's specifications. To view examples of the catamaran, visit the following website: www.munsonboats.com. Please keep in mind, these are just examples. The following is a list of how the vessel can be utilized:

1. Waterway Code compliance
2. Waterway pump-outs
3. Wildlife rescue
4. Provide dive operations transport
5. Firefighting capabilities
6. Lifting or towing debris, buoys, ect.
7. Shallow water operations
8. Equipment transport
9. Deployment of oil booms

Additional inquiry can be directed to Munson's project manager, by emailing Garrett@munsonboats.com.
 

It is recommended to have the City Commission approve the purchase of one (1) 28 ft vessel for the sum of $318,050.00, which includes a $25,000.00 refundable deposit that is required to be included on the boat builder's construction list, so production can begin. The estimated time of construction is 24–30 months, starting as soon as the deposit is received.
 

The alternative would be to not purchase the vessel; however, the purchase of another type of water vessel will not meet all the functions the 28 ft catamaran will perform as listed under the summary tab.