Coulam Marine showed a new prototype casualty recovery vessel, the 6.1 CRV, at Seawork 2026 in Southampton (June 9-11), developed in partnership with rescue technology specialist Zelim and powered by a Suzuki outboard.
The 6.1 CRV is built on Coulam’s established V20 platform and designed for commercial casualty recovery work. It remains at prototype stage, with pricing available on application. PBN has previously covered the outboard market from the volume end; this sits at the specialist commercial end of the same business.
The vessel
Power comes from a Suzuki DF90A outboard, chosen for dependable performance in commercial use and to suit the compact V20 hull. The defining feature is an opening bow door with an integrated rotating casualty recovery ramp, designed to give rescuers direct access to the water during an incident.
Jim Coulam, Founder and Managing Director of Coulam Marine, on the development process:
“With over 12 months in development, the prototype has already proved itself at a test facility under demanding conditions. The next stage is to build the first production model to SOLAS regulations that will be launched later this year. First choice outboards have always been Suzuki because of their proven track records in commercial applications.”
Mark Beeley, Head of ATV & Marine at Suzuki GB:
“We’re proud to be powering this impressive vessel and to strengthen our relationship with Coulam Marine. Our outboard motors support many commercial operations, and to be trusted with a vessel tasked with casualty recovery is a testament to the confidence in our engines.”
Coulam says the first production model will be built to SOLAS regulations and launched later in 2026. Further information on the 6.1 CRV is available from Coulam Marine on 01778 218729 or [email protected].
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
