HMAS Fremantle II (FCPB 203) Patrol Boat Model 80cm

Key Features of the Fremantle II model

• A masterfully handcrafted replica of the HMAS Fremantle 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: 80cm x 14cm x 32cm, scale 1:52.

The History of HMAS Fremantle II

The Fremantle-class patrol boats were a fleet of fifteen vessels commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) between 1980 and 1984, designed to strengthen Australia’s maritime defense capabilities. Built by NQEA Australia in Cairns, these 42-meter-long boats replaced the aging Attack-class patrol boats and were intended for coastal surveillance, fisheries protection, and border security operations. Equipped with advanced radar and navigation systems, the Fremantle-class vessels were crucial in safeguarding Australian waters from illegal fishing, smuggling, and unauthorized maritime activities.

One of these vessels, Fremantle Boat 203, served as a vital asset to the RAN, demonstrating exceptional performance in various patrol and training missions. Like its sister ships, it was powered by two MTU diesel engines, enabling speeds of up to 30 knots, with an operational range of approximately 1,800 nautical miles. The ship’s design focused on endurance and efficiency, allowing it to operate independently for extended periods while carrying out patrol duties. Over its service life, Boat 203 played a critical role in securing Australian coastlines and assisting in search and rescue operations.

By the early 2000s, advancements in naval technology and the need for improved patrol capabilities led to the replacement of the Fremantle-class by the Armidale-class patrol boats. As a result, Boat 203, along with its fleetmates, was gradually decommissioned between 2005 and 2007. Despite their retirement, these patrol boats remain a significant part of Australian naval history, remembered for their dedicated service in protecting the nation’s waters. Today, scale models of the Fremantle-class patrol boats allow maritime enthusiasts to own a piece of this rich naval heritage, preserving the legacy of vessels like Boat 203 for generations to come.