Beginning in the Mid '60s, the Harbor Unit put into service an extremely capable and well liked fleet of 52' steel hulled launches designed by the famous sailboat designer Philip Rhodes.
By the mid 1980's it was time to replace them (or was it? See Launch5.com). New York City contracted for a new Aluminum Hull Launch to be built. Here are the specs:
This is what they got:
After organized and thorough testing by the training unit led by Lt. Carol Walker this vessel was deemed unfit for duty as an NYPD patrol launch.
Nonetheless, this 48 foot "Launch 1" holds a pivotal point in the history of NYPD Harbor patrol launches in between the 1960's vintage steel hulled launches and the 1980's vintage "Kenny Hansen Class" 55 footers in service today (2003).
At the left are thumbnails of photos recording Launch 1 and her initiation. Click on them and this page will be replaced with larger versions.