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Tactical yachting? Navy puts special operations boat, built for SEALs, on the market

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Back in 1993, the short-lived action-adventure TV series “Thunder in Paradise” showed us what it would be like if you gave a pair of former Navy SEALs (played by Hulk Hogan and Chris Lemmon) a stealthy tactical boat with which they could conduct their mercenary operations. As a series, the concept fizzled out after just 22 episodes, but in today’s world full of special operations veterans taking contract work all around the globe (for better or worse), that seemingly over-the-top premise may not be all that crazy after all—especially with the Navy putting a Mk V Special Operations Craft (SOC) up for sale at just a fraction of the original sticker price.

Although the Mk V SOC may have been stripped of its weapons and classified technology, it’s still one hell of a vessel. Its two MTU 12V396 TE94 diesel engines and its pair of Kamewa 50-511 waterjets are said to be able to propel the 82-foot-long craft to speeds in excess of 57 miles per hour (50 knots). In order to keep all that power under control in choppy ocean waters, the main cabin also comes with shock-mitigating seats, making for a comfortable ride even in turbulent (or explosion-ridden) seas.

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Comments

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  • shooten

    I used to see these offshore and in the bay while fishing in San Diego. Amazing craft that flew over swells and left a very small wake. I'll bet the maintenance will cost you $20k per year.

  • tim e

    Its no longer on the gsaauctions site - there have been others on there as well as some other "non standard" craft over the years. There is a west coast buyer who brokers these out for export unless there are end-use restrictions. Just an FYI on MTU operational costs, just an oil change on one engine will set you back $1500.00 as far as valve adjustments and other maintenance its the old "if you have to ask" axiom.

  • Brett S

    The perfect toy for some non-affiliated vigilante justice. Once you're twenty miles out, you can start mess in with the Intel trawlers off long Island. I ffs would have fun and I know a few folks who would join me. Heck, I've got a girl who was shot twice who would love to get back on those brown water boats. She remains a better shot than me. Seldom can I say that, but I give full respect to this young lady. I believe her picture still adorns the mess hall on, I think it was the Miami.

  • Daniel

    Thunder in Paradise. Gawd, that show sucked. With acting worse than the WWF, I could never get through a whole episode. At least, the British Bulldogs, and Rowdy Rowdy Piper, were somewhat believable, to little kids.

  • Kenneth M

    Sounds like I need to find some spare cash and get a bid. ;)