Cape-Class Patrol Boat Model 80cm

Key Features of the Cape-class patrol boat model

• A masterfully handcrafted replica of the Cape-class patrol boat, capturing its precision and detail.
• Designed from original naval drawings and meticulously built by skilled artisans over 14 weeks, dedicating hundreds of hours to perfection.
• Expertly constructed from individually cut and shaped wooden planks, ensuring unmatched craftsmanship and accuracy.
• Built with on-frame construction and hand-painted to replicate the authentic colors and tones of the real vessel.
• Fully assembled and display-ready, complete with a custom nameplate and an informative history sheet.
• Size specifications: 82cmL x 13cmW x 33cmH, scale 1:70.

History of the Cape Class Patrol Boats

The Cape Class Patrol Boats represent a significant advancement in Australia’s maritime security fleet. Designed and constructed by Austal at Henderson, Western Australia, the class was developed to replace the ageing Bay Class operated by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, and later to bolster the patrol capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The Cape Class vessels were designed for long-range, high-endurance patrol operations, supporting missions such as border protection, counter-narcotics, illegal fishing prevention, immigration enforcement, and maritime search and rescue. Their capability to stay at sea for up to 28 days, travel over 4,000 nautical miles, and operate in sea state 5 conditions made them ideal for covering Australia’s vast and remote maritime zones.

The original Cape Class comprises eight vessels delivered to the Australian Border Force between 2013 and 2015. Each was named after an Australian coastal cape, such as Cape Byron, Cape Nelson, and Cape York. Designed for long-range patrols, these 58-metre boats are known for their high speed, endurance, and ability to operate in challenging conditions—making them ideal for missions involving illegal fishing, smuggling, immigration control, and search and rescue.

In 2020, an enhanced version known as the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat was commissioned for the Royal Australian Navy. This new batch includes eight additional vessels, incorporating improved crew accommodation, enhanced systems, and greater operational range. Ships in this group include HMAS Cape Otway, HMAS Cape Capricorn, and HMAS Cape Woolamai, among others.

In total, there are 16 Cape Class Patrol Boats—eight serving the ABF and eight Evolved variants for the RAN. Together, they form a critical backbone of Australia’s offshore patrol capability, safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests across thousands of kilometres of coastline.