We’re in one of the more famous parts of Newport Beach today, right next to the Balboa Ferry and the Funzone Ferris wheel, because I’ve got one of the most famous boats I’ve ever reviewed. This is a 1974 LA County Baywatch lifeguard boat built by Seaway — old number 7. And no, I’m not talking about the yellow Scarab the producers used for the TV show. This is the real teal and orange patrol vessel that LA County lifeguards have been using for the last 50 years. It was generously lent to me by Newport Harbor Tours, who offer it for charter — so if you want to ride in style around Newport Harbor, check the link in the description.
Exterior and Construction
The first thing you notice is that iconic seafoam green and orange color scheme with white all the way around. Each vessel has its own number designation on the bow so helicopters can identify which boat they’re talking to from above. Once you get past the looks and start examining the construction, this thing is made predominantly of wood. That weight combined with the high bow makes it incredibly stable at sea — this boat is a tank out in the ocean. Instead of a radar arch, LA County went with a radar post where all their sirens, radars, and equipment are mounted. The stern has a molded swim step and an open rear transom designed so lifeguards could dive off the back or pull an unconscious person on a backboard straight onto the deck. This is a purpose-built patrol vessel, and every design choice reflects that.
The Cockpit and Helm
In the rear cockpit, Newport Harbor Tours added some beautifully quilted seats with orange piping — those aren’t stock from LA County. The lifeguards weren’t exactly concerned about lounging. There’s a great tow post that was originally used to attach lines for towing vessels in distress, mounted all the way through the hull like a sailboat mast for strength. Now it mostly serves as a table leg and a beautiful centerpiece.
The helm is classic — glass covers over all the dials that lift up for access, two throttle and gear controls with gears on the outside and throttles in the center so you can run them one-handed, a compass, and a small Garmin unit. Inside, there’s a Fusion stereo, VHF radio, an old siren, and a full panel on the starboard side controlling radios, blowers, horns, sirens, and voltage.
Below Decks
Down below, there’s a table with the chart plotted right into it and the original Baywatch 7 mechanics logbook. I flipped through it — entries from June 25, 1979 saying “changed engine zincs both engines,” and more entries running all the way through 2014 when the boat was auctioned off. That’s 35 years of history you can hold in your hands. There’s also a little TV that Newport Harbor Tours added (the LA County guys were not watching Baywatch on their Baywatch boat), photos of the vessel, and an LA County Fire Department Lifeguards patch. Storage is identical on both sides with a berth running the width of the vessel and an anchor locker forward.
The Power
Under the hatches sit twin Crusader 454s at 350 horsepower each. They push this 31-foot boat to about 25 to 28 knots with a cruising speed of 18 to 20 knots. They do suck gas, but the engine access is outstanding — you can reach everything from outboard to inboard without crawling down into the bilge.
The Star Review
Stars are on a 1 to 10 scale with 5 being average. Performance gets a 6 — it’s a 50-year-old boat that still does 25 to 28 knots with a decent cruising speed, so above average. Comfort also earns a 6 — Newport Harbor Tours did a great job converting what was a commercial rescue vessel into something comfortable with quilted seats, cushions, and a speaker system, but it’s still built for lifeguards, not leisure. Quality scores a 7 — this thing was built 50 years ago mainly out of wood and it’s held up incredibly well. It’s still a tank. Practicality gets a 6 — the berth is small for a 31-foot vessel and there’s no proper head, but the open deck space makes it a great day boat where you can pack people on, spill drinks, and not worry about damaging anything. Value earns a 7 — there are only two of these in private hands, and you can get one for under $100,000 in great condition. For a piece of maritime history, that’s solid.
That brings the total to 32 stars, tying it with the VanDutch 55 and the Parker 23 center console in my rankings, and inching ahead of the Crystaliner by just one point. If you’re ever in Newport Beach, check out Newport Harbor Tours — they were very kind to lend me this boat, and you might even get to ride in this very vessel.
