RCW 1 is a Yamaha Waverunner VX Deluxe built in 2018. It is no barnburner when it comes to speed, reaching speeds of around 46knots (53Mph) but this depends on the sea conditions.
It runs on petrol as fuel and has a 75litre fuel tank giving a range of around 13 hours.
RWC stands for rescue water craft.
In the non-rescue environment they are called Personal watercraft (PWC) however, most people know them as Jetski.
Actually this is incorrect, Jetski is the brand name of Kawasaki, the original designers of the PWC.
We use Yamaha’s who call their PWC, the Waverunner.
Portsmouth Lifeguards have 2 Waverunners, each slightly different but equally fantastic pieces of equipment.
They are underestimated as very effective rescue craft These types of craft sometimes carry a poor image, but in the trained hands of Portsmouth Lifeguards operators, they are extremely useful pieces of equipment that help to save lives.
Performance, style, comfort and handling, combined with exceptional economy, low maintenance and lots of features – all guarantee the Waverunner VX’s position among the most popular watercraft.
As well as a High Output version of Yamaha’s TR-1® engine, it has a narrow seat and deep, wide footwells for easier handling, plus the revolutionary RiDE® control technology.
This intuitive, user-friendly system brings an immediate level of confidence.
Engine
Yamaha’s 1,049cc TR-1 HO engine that made its debut in 2016, is actually a few cubic centimetres smaller than the 1,052 MR-1 found in RCW 2, but it’s lighter, more compact, delivers smoothly throughout the powerband, and yes, offers more horsepower (about 13 more ponies according to the manufacturer).
Crew
RCW operate with a single trained operator, but can also be operated with a crew member on a rescue board towed behind.
- 1 x Rescue Water Craft operator – qualified K38 rescue operator.
- 1 x Board crew – member of the crew from in house training.
Cost and running
Portsmouth lifeguards got donated this RWC in 2015 direct from Yamaha.
Originally it was used as a trail and had been used by other organisations such as QHM and the marine police units.
It was one of the crafts that was put on the River Thames for the 2012 London Olympics, but Yamaha found it at home with us after a successful trial.
Since then, we have taken on all maintenance schedules and funds for all repairs:
- To replace the RWC it would cost £12,500.
- Annual maintenance cost us around £1500 per year.
- Annual running cost are £800 per year.
Housing
RCW 1 is kept in the HQ boathouse on the beach launch trailer.
It is capable of being crash launched in time critical situations and is launched by the club’s ATV and winched back up using the vehicle winch and ATV.
It can also be transferred very quickly onto a double road trailer to take to events or rescue off station to be trailered.
Quick stats of RCW 1
- Engine type 3-cylinder, TR-1 High output, 4-stoke, DOHC, 4-valves.
- Displacement 1,049cc.
- Bore x stroke 82.0 MM x 66.2 MM.
- Compression ratio 11.0 : 1.
- Cooling system water-cooled.
- Pump type 155 MM axial flow.
- Fuel unleaded regular gasoline.
- Fuel supply system electronic fuel injection.
- Fuel capacity 70.0 litres.
- Oil capacity 3.5 litres.
Dimensions
- Length: 3.35 M.
- Width: 1.22 M.
- Height: 1.19 M.
- Dry weight: 301 KG.
Features
- Storage capacity 93.2 litres.
- Rider capacity 1-3 person.