P A C I F I C
THUNDERCAT RACING Adrenaline in the Surf
DIVING FROM A RIB Choosing the Right Boat
THE 100% RIB MAGAZINE ISSUE 3 - 2017 ANNUAL
SMUGGLER 780 SUPERSPORT THE FIRST BOWRIDER RIB
THE NZ COASTGUARD RIB FLEET
A BUYERS GUIDE TO
+ AGAPI 800
+ SMUGGLER 780 SUPERSPORT
+ SEALEGS 9000 INTERCEPTOR
RIBS REVIEWED
WWW.BOAT M AGS.C O M 99
Built Tough! 9m PROTECTOR World Famous
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We trust our brand - They trust our brand
100 PACIFIC POWERBOAT JULY / AUGUST 2017
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- Perhaps you should too.
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P A C I F I C
P A S S A G E M A K E R
2 0 1 7
A N N U A L
C O N T E N T S
130
PA C I F I C R I B 2 017 A N N U A L
CONTENTS 102
N E W L AUN C HIN GS New RIBs from Smuggler, Buccaneer, Penguin, King Water Craft and Lancer.
106
RI B S – F I RS T C H O I C E FO R COAS T G UARD
New Zealand’s Coastguard fleet of 75 vessels is almost all made up of RHIBs and it’s easy to see why. Robyn Visser looks at why they are such an important asset to New Zealand’s most important maritime rescue organisation.
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RE V I E W – S M U G G L E R 7 80 S U PERS PO R T
Smuggler Marine’s new 780 SuperSport is their first ever full dual console bow rider and was one of the most exciting new boats at this year’s Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show. Barry Thompson checks it out.
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D I VI N G FRO M A RI B
You can dive from anything that floats and while some boats are more suitable than others, when it comes to RIBs of any size, they are the perfect vessel. Ron Czerniak explains why.
112
RE V I E W – S E A L E G S 9 00 0 IN TE RCE PT OR Freddy Foote checks out the biggest RIB yet from Sealegs, the world’s foremost amphibious boat manufacturer.
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B U Y E RS GUID E T O 6 M C C RIBS If you are in the market for a large tender or sports RIB for diving or fishing, then something around 6m could be ideal. We check out a dozen popular centre console models.
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RE V I E W – A GA P I 8 00
RIB LADDERS
Stylish, smart and contemporary the Swedish designed Agapi 800 is an exceptionally comfortable RIB for day cruising or weekend trips. Text by Freddy Foote.
142
TH E N E X T GENERA TIO N
JP RIBS is one of the hottest new RIB builders in the country and they are fast making a name for themselves worldwide. At the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show they released two of their newest models.
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TH UN DE RC A T RAC IN G Thundercat racing has been a popular sport in New Zealand and around the world for many years. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this just might be something for you next summer.
See us at Auckland on Water Boat Show 28 Sept to 1 Oct 2017
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COVER
THUNDERCAT RACING Adrenaline in the Surf
DIVING FROM A RIB Choosing the Right Boat
THE 100% RIB MAGAZINE ISSUE 3 - 2017 ANNUAL
Smuggler’s new 780 SuperSport is their first bow rider RIB. See Page 124
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SMUGGLER 780 SUPERSPORT THE FIRST BOWRIDER RIB
THE NZ COASTGUARD RIB FLEET
Engel 40 Litre
A BUYERS GUIDE TO
+ AGAPI 800
+ SMUGGLER 780 SUPERSPORT
+ SEALEGS 9000 INTERCEPTOR
Combi Fridge / Freezer
RIBS REVIEWED
Engel’s latest addition
P A C I F I C
PUBLISHER D&B Publishing Ltd Trading as BoatMags.com EDITORIAL Barry Thompson, Editor DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2086 Mob: +64 (0)21 777 355 barry@boatmags.com
This new model is a new combination Fridge and Freezer, with added features including the removable internal divider and thermostatically controlled fan. The MT45FCP gives three versatile configurations;
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Printer: PMP Limited This model also includes the user-friendly digital control with LED display, along with built in battery monitor. Supplied with both cords, the 12 volt cord that plugs straight into your vehicle’s cigarette socket and the 240 volt lead with three pin plug, (Auto switching).
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Freezer 16 litres / Fridge 23 Litres
www.engelnewzealand.co.nz WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 101
NEW LAUNCHINGS
KING WATER CRAFT 440 Christchurch based King Water Craft, have released an interesting new 4.4m RIB jet tender. Perfect as a yacht tender, for diving, but still able to manoeuvre its way through shallow and braided rivers or vast coastline estuaries. Various boat sizes and seating options are available with customised layouts to suit your requirements. The 440 displaces just 400 kgs, has a fuel capacity of 60 litres and is powered by a 120hp Yamaha TR-14 stroke engine. Top speed is 50 knots.The hulls are constructed using marine grade alloy with Hypalon tubes. King Water Craft is currently in the process of a new jet tender design that will cater for the yacht market better as it is slightly smaller in length. kingwatercraft.com
SMUGGLER 820 CABIN Released in 2016 as the Strata 750 Cabin, the new Strata 820 is much the same boat but with a few extras. Firstly it now has a hardtop and twin engines, that has seen the top speed increase to close to 50 knots with a pair of 150hp Yamaha outboards. Rated from 200hp to 300hp, the Strata 820 would be ideally suited to a single engine. Considering the exceptional rough water performance hull the 820 is based on it is certainly going to be able to handle the biggest outboards. The Smuggler Strata 820 Cabin is a boat designed to be used offshore and is made to perform. It has the proven performance of the Smuggler 27-degree deep vee hull – so you can go hard and fast, no matter what the conditions. The full cabin protects your crew from the elements, while the lounge area forward is a luxurious space for relaxing. The cockpit is spacious for fishing and there is ample seating for plenty of friends. www.smuggler.co.nz 102 | RIB ISSUE 3
BUCCANEER 640 RIB Buccaneer Boats will be releasing their first RIB at the Auckland On Water Boat Show in late September. Their first of what could develop into a new range, the RIB is based on the Buccaneer 605 hull and has been under development for some time. Available with either Hypalon or PVC tubes, the new RIB features a large centre console, along similar lines to the El Dorado. Dry storage is provided in the large console, which is wide enough for twin helm seats behind. While the prototype was powered by a 130hp Yamaha outboard, the new RIB will be offered with engines from 115 to 175hp. A lot of the options available on the Buccaneer range of boats, e.g. bimini, bait tanks, drop down ladders and long range fuel tanks will be available.
www.buccaneer.co.nz.
PENGUIN 4M Penguin Boats from New Zealand have released an exciting new amphibious boat called the Penguin 4m. It has an integrated trailer, which makes it a great choice as a tender and is very easy to pull up beaches when coming ashore. It can also be towed on the
road without a trailer. The boat uses a manual composite lever to push up and down the wheels. This lever also acts as suspension for when the boat is used on the road. The wheels fit into special wheel cowlings, which also act as a seat. The front drawbar slides back into the boat when the boat is on the
water. The boat seats up to 4 people and goes well with a 15-25hp motor. The boat is lightweight at around 150kg and is manufactured from high quality carbon fibre and composite materials and uses hypalon tubes. The price of the base boat is approximately US$7,000 plus freight and taxes.
www.penguinboats.com.
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NEW LAUNCHINGS
LANCER RK5000 BUILDING THE ULTIMATE SUPPORT BOAT
Lancer has a history of creating boats for supporting water activities and has previously supplied many organisations including Yachting New Zealand’s Olympic Programme and Luna Rossa America’s cup teams. The RK5000 (5m) was designed by Lancer to fill a gap in the market for a medium sized RIB that is easy to use for inexperienced operators and exceeds the requirements of the more experienced. Further consideration has been given to keeping to boat as practical as possible. It has a clean deck free of cables and an arrangement that gives trouble free access to all sections of the RIB. During feedback sessions with end users we discovered many operators want a boat that is robust so it can land on beaches or left on a concrete boat ramps while they get the trailer. Lancer has coupled its legendary hypalon tubes with 5mm marine grade aluminium to deliver on this requirement. 3T TUBE DESIGN The RK5000 incorporates a significant advancement in tube design. The tube features Lancer’s patented “3T”1 tube design capabilities. The 3T tube permits the advantages of hull form and tube function to work in partnership. The tube allows for the hull to have plumb bow before tapering into a traditional V Hull sharper bow entry and continue to a 20 deg V at the stern. This manages the wave handling benefits of an increased sharper entry while balancing optimal ride and directional control. The bow is a knife like 76 deg before tapering to a deep V amid ships of 28 deg giving control and sea keeping. The Plumb bow extends approximately half the hull height before the traditional hull. This allows any plunging effect to be released and the boat to have directional control. An Issue with larger plumb bows is they 104 | RIB ISSUE 3
can steer the bow of the boat creating an unpredictable experience. This feature is particulate beneficial for upwind/downwind running where the boat will track on course more easily. A major advantage of the RK5000 is the hull and tube profile deflects spray away from the passengers allowing for a more comfortable journey. The profile reduces tube drag when planing, by only the rear most sections touching the water. The benefits are twofold, increased stability at speed and rest as well as less effort required to achieve optimal speeds. For operation where sea keeping, stability and safety are combined with the need for speed, light weight and durability. The hull has two sets of negative angle chines designed to deflect water away from the boat while giving directional control when cornering. They further serve to give the hull enormous strength and aid in dampening g forces. The transom has been developed with fixed “planning assist trim tabs” (PATT) to help with low/ hump speed operations which is often the case when supporting water sports activities. The PATT feature when combined with the upper transom extended water deflectors help in decreasing backwash when stationary or reversing. The combination of all these features is designed to maximise the boats usability and give a feeling of security to the operator. PURPOSE DESIGNED LAYOUT During feedback session a consistent need for clean and uncluttered decks became apparent. This was for many reasons including reducing entanglements with equipment, crew safety, good drainage and ease of manoeuvrability. The Anchor locker is correctly sized anchor locker with lipped hatch for a generous access. The locker drains across the decks
WHO IS DESIGNING & MAKING YOUR TUBES?
Put your project in the hands of a team with 100 years of combined experience in design & manufacture of inflatables. Full design & Project support Unique in-house design software OEM Tube Manufacturer Air & Foam Technology instead of the bilge through limber holes. The Locker is fitted with davit lifting points on the vertical face to keep the deck clear. The Pedestal console is a proven design used by Yachting New Zealand at the London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics as well as other campaigns. It has excellent access to equipment for maintenance and houses the battery. Having the battery forward in the boat and in a box within the console ensures it is in the best possible position to prevent it being damaged during swamping. A significant feature of the straddle seat is that it forms access to below deck for storing 2x standard fuel tote tanks. Many users found underfloor fuel tanks difficult to fill and problematic. They often reverted to carrying tote tanks on deck that created issues. By storing fuel tanks under the hull it keeps the weight balanced and the decks clear. The seat also has ample weatherproof storage for jackets, food, repair kits, safety items and the other paraphernalia which often ends up cluttering the deck. An optional back rest has a solid grab handle with “Stuff Bags” mounted on them for easy to access items, or as one fleet manager said a “Rubbish bag”. The seat also has ample weatherproof storage for jackets, food, repair kits, safety items and the other paraphernalia which often ends up cluttering the deck. An optional back rest has a solid grab handle with “Stuff Bags” mounted on them for easy to access items, or as one fleet manager said a “Rubbish bag”. A fixed bimini made from 50mm thick wall aluminium will be floor mounted and braced on the console. The full bimini structure will be removable for storage. The VHF, Horn and Anchor/steaming light will be mounted on the bimini frame. A transom Arch can be fitted to protect the Outboard and be used for light towing. Speeds vary depending on layout and power options, however tests with a 60hp outboard have resulted in a top speed of 29 knots. The hull rises to the plane easily around 8-10 knots, and cruises comfortably at 20+ knots in sea state 3. During testing the RK5000 was tested up to sea state 4 where it maintained planning speeds without exerting strain on the occupants. The boat operates efficiently with 30-80 hp outboards. www.lancer.co.nz
One of the most stringent quality control programmes worldwide Built to more classes and certifications than any other builder Multiple world records for inflatable design Only SOLAS manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand Only MOT approved inflatable manufacturer in New Zealand New Zealand based, purpose-built factory Re-tube & Refits Numerous design patents
World leaders in inflatable boats & products for over 40 years +64 (09) 837 1206 or www.lancer.co.nz
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 105
COASTGUARD RIBS
Coastguard at work with their Naiad 9.5
106 | RIB ISSUE 3
RHIBS FIRST CHOICE OF COASTGUARD
New Zealand’s Coastguard fleet of 75 vessels is almost all made up of RHIBs and it’s easy to see why. Robyn Visser looks at why they are such an important asset to New Zealand’s most important maritime rescue organisation.
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COASTGUARD RIBS
24 HOURS A DAY, 7 days a week, 365 days a year you’ll find Coastguard vessels out on waters –saving lives at sea. As a charity, Coastguard has over 2,200 dedicated volunteers who commit thousands of hours to help people in distress and bring them safely home to their families. Since Coastguard’s inception, volunteers have relied on rescue vessels to carry out their work, and the hours spent on training and search and rescue operations has meant a constant need to maintain and replace those vessels. RHIB, or rigid-hulled inflatable boats, make up the majority of Coastguard’s fleet of 75 vessels. There are a few exceptions – Coastguard Auckland has as part of their fleet a 15m high-speed foil-assisted catamaran, while Coastguard Tauranga also uses a 13m catamaran. But for the majority of Coastguard units, their primary rescue vessel is an RHIB. RHIBs are the preferred choice for Coastguard rescue vessels for various reasons. The inflatable tubes are softer which helps when a Coastguard vessel comes alongside another vessel to aid them, and so avoids any potential damage done to both vessels. They also aid in floatation so that if the vessel becomes swamped with water, the inflatable tubes prevent the vessel from sinking completely. Thanks to the hull shape and design, RHIBs also allow for more comfort at high speeds in rough conditions. This enables our volunteers to get to rescue areas faster but still safely, and so reduces the victim’s risk of drowning or hypothermia and increases their chance of being found. Throughout the years, Coastguard has seen many changes to their fleet as technology and search and rescue practices have advanced. Two Coastguard units – Coastguard North Shore and Coastguard Waihi Beach, have recently welcomed new RHIBs to replace their 108 | RIB ISSUE 3
existing ones, each unit has its history of vessels they’ve used and the development of those vessels over time.
NORTH SHORE RESCUE The North Shore unit was introduced in the 1990s as there was a huge need for a high-speed all-weather rescue craft on the North Shore to service the outer harbour and inner gulf areas. For over 25 years, Coastguard North Shore have used RHIBs as their rescue vessel of choice. First came Waste Management Rescue, a 6.7m Naiad semi-inflatable vessel. She was then replaced with a 9m Rayglass Protector, which served them well until 2007 when the decision was made to replace her with North Shore Rescue – a purpose-built 9.5m alloy RIB rescue vessel. North Shore Rescue had the difficult task of searching one of the busiest boating areas in New Zealand, and so in 2011 she was refurbished and refitted from bow to stern, with a fresh paint job and new equipment such as a state of the art Simrad electronics package – giving her a new lease on life to carry on with many more years of service. After clocking up more than 12,000 hours on the water, Coastguard North Shore replaced North Shore Rescue with a brand new boat of the same name. Their new vessel is a vital upgrade and a crucial life-saving asset for the Hauraki Gulf. North Shore Rescue is a 9.5m AMF designed Quick Response Vessel RHIB. It is the same vessel type and size as its predecessor, but with key differences and improvements especially in its interior design and ergonomics. The new vessel is much more tailor-made for the North Shore crew’s needs. It has straddle-style suspension seats which carry
Coastguard spend a lot of their hours on the water towing broken down vessels.
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COASTGUARD RIBS the body weight of the volunteer rescue crew while allowing them to keep their feet on the floor. This ensures the volunteers are vastly more comfortable and allows the crew to withstand hours on the water without getting tired – a critical improvement for the health and safety of volunteers. Another key difference of the new vessel is that the dashboard and forward cabin roof have been lowered to give a better field of vision, especially for shorter crew members. The glass area extends further down the cabin too, allowing for better all-round vision which is essential in a search and rescue operation. The building of the new vessel was so precise that to get the right ergonomic fit for every crew member, a full-size cabin mock-up was built so that the crew could position everything exactly how they wanted it – from the lighting to the equipment, grab rails, seats and storage bins. Coastguard North Shore have upgraded their rescue vessels many times since their inception, and while they have changed the types of engines or suppliers or the size of their vessel, they have never considered changing from an RHIB to any other type of vessel. John Kothe, who is the head of the boat building committee, says this is due to the inflatable tubes being much safer to travel in during heavy seas, and that they avoid damaging other boats when they have to come alongside them.
AVOCO RESCUE Like Coastguard North Shore, Coastguard Waihi Beach has made significant developments in their rescue vessels since they began as a unit. When they were established in 1990, volunteers immediately began fundraising for their first rescue vessel – a 6m fibreglass Shark Cat named Waipaopao. Nine years later Waipaopao was replaced with Search One, Coastguard Waihi Beach’s first RHIB. As an 8.5m Rayglass Protector rigid inflatable powered by two 150hp Yamaha two stroke outboards, Search One was a significant step up from her predecessor. An upgrade of the motors to 200hp four strokes in 2003 led to significant improvements in fuel efficiency and crew comfort. Then in 2003, volunteers were hard at work raising funds for
The Rayglass 850 Protector was one of the first RIBs used by Coastguard. 110 | RIB ISSUE 3
another rescue vessel, Search Two. The 5m jet boat was launched to navigate and search the shallow waters of Tauranga Harbour, and has made a significant difference in navigating the difficult areas that Search One, a much larger vessel, cannot do. In early 2012 Search One was replaced with Gallagher Rescue, a 9.5m Naiad powered by twin 250hp Yamaha four stroke outboards, and since she has hit the water, there has been a huge improvement in crew comfort and operational ability. The latest edition to their fleet came this year with Avoco Rescue, a 5.8m Naiad-designed RHIB powered by 115hp Yamaha outboards. Avoco Rescue replaces the 13-year-old Search Two and has seen significant improvements to the crew’s comfort and ability to respond to incidents. It is 0.8 metres longer than its predecessor, giving more room and comfort on board. It also has a walkthrough design, enabling two extra crew to be on board and can accommodate the transportation of medical and search and rescue equipment, as well as a stretchered patient. Other improvements include radar capabilities, which help with safety at night and in limited visibility when performing search and rescue missions for a missing person or vessel, twin outboards over single jet for reliability, side by side seating rather than tandem style, and a Bimini top for protection from sun and rain. Going from a fibreglass catamaran like Waipaopao to an RHIB was a simple choice for Coastguard Waihi Beach. Volunteers at the unit say they are a better vessel for crossing a bar, especially when taking a hit from a breaking wave as the inflatable tubes act as a shock absorber. The crew also spend a large amount of time alongside other vessels in all kinds of conditions and the tubes act as large fenders, reducing the risk of damage to both vessels. In their experience, they’ve also found that RHIBs make it easier to get people on board when they are in the water as they can be safely dragged over the tubes and that the added floatation of the hull makes it much less likely for the vessel to sink. As the charity saving lives at sea, Coastguard requires vessels that take care of the safety of its volunteers as well as those they assist in and on the water. Coastguard New Zealand has always been proud users of RHIBs and throughout the years they have become the organisation’s preferred choice for rescue vessels.
Sealegs amphibious boats are proving very popular with Coastguard and are popular for their quick and easy launching.
North Shore Rescue is a 9.5m AMF designed Quick Response Vessel RHIB. It is the same vessel type and size as its predecessor.
The Smuggler Strata 1120 is one of the latest additions to the Coastguard fleet of RHIBs.
Avoco Rescue, a 5.8 metre Naiad is the latest RIB in the Waihi Coastguard fleet.
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1
BOAT REVIEW | Sealegs Interceptor 9000
We were lucky enough to be greeted by beautiful weather on Auckland harbour.
112 RIB ISSUEPOWERBOAT 3 114 |PACIFIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
Blank
CANVAS By Freddy Foote
Two years after releasing its biggest RIB model, Sealegs has given its flagship beast an overhaul. Freddy Foote gets aboard and checks out what’s new on the Interceptor 9000.
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM WWW.BOATMAGS.COM| 113 115
BOAT REVIEW | Sealegs Interceptor 9000
With a voluminous interior, the layout can be configured to suit owner requirements.
After more than 15 years of crawling my way over a wide variety of boats, I think there is probably nothing cooler than a Sealegs. I’ve said this before, but being able to drive a boat from land to water and back is not only cool but immensely practical. Having entered the market out of nowhere 12-years ago, Sealegs have cemented themselves as an innovative Kiwi boat builder, established a healthy global distribution network and have their amphibious craft working in waters all over the world. The Interceptor 9000 is the largest boat to come out of the Sealegs factory and two years since its launch has been given a bit of a revision by the Sealegs team to make a great boat that little bit better. “Since we released the model two years ago, the response has been good. The first boat went to a customer in China, and since then we have sold models in Australia, the US and here in New Zealand which has proven the concept of a much 114 | RIB ISSUE 3
larger Sealegs platform,” says Sealegs Sales & Marketing Manager Peter Small. “The introduction of the model was driven by customer feedback, wanting a boat that will perform in rough water but also with a generous amount of internal space.” This 2017 version of the Interceptor 9000 has undergone some minor changes. Gone is the onboard power pack that was located in the stern, this system, now called Hydrosol (inboard motor and hydraulic pump), is housed under the helm console to further maximise cockpit space. The slightly larger console to house the Hydrosol allows much larger electronics packages to be fitted – as we see on our test boat with the two 16” Simrad MFDs. Also new is a more ergonomic right-hand side outboard throttle control and a larger windscreen for increased wind protection. Those who will be more familiar with a Sealegs, will ask, with the Hydrosol now situated under the helm, how is it exhausted? Without running the exhaust
down the inside of a 9m boat, Sealegs have designed a thru-hull exhaust with a baffled valve system that allows it to exhaust through the hull on land. “We feel that with this new configuration the boat is a blank canvas for people to customise the layout and configuration how they choose.” BLANK CANVAS The best way to describe the Interceptor 9000 is voluminous. I can’t recall being on a RIB with so much functional space. As Small eluded on our morning on the water, the Interceptor 9000 is essentially a very large blank canvas with a wide variety of configuration options available. Our test boat had two pedestal seats at the helm, with a fixed passenger bench seat with backrest located immediately behind. Other seating options include up to eight shock rider pedestal seats – the kind of configuration you’ll opt for if you are planning on invading a small island nation.
Or you can specify a full-length bench seat across the transom should you have socialising and entertaining in mind rather than on water special tactics. Forward of the helm, there is the traditional layout configuration you tend to find on a centre console RIB. In front of the helm console is a large bench seat large enough for two adults with storage underneath. Forward of that and facing aft is sizeable bow seating area, also big enough for two adults; again there is storage space underneath for the anchor, rope & chain. Lifting Davits are built into each corner of the 9000 fore and aft. Serving two purposes; allowing Sealegs to export the boats as easily on cradles as deck cargo, but also giving owners the option of being able to lift the boat onto a larger craft should they choose – as a super yacht tender for example.
Additional storage consisting of an underfloor locker immediately behind the helm, big enough to store dive bottles. And there are three lockers built into the transom. Across the transom is a sturdy ski arch that features navigation lighting, VHF aerial and mounts for portable rod holders. HOW DOES IT WORK? A Sealegs boat is a great bit of kiwi ingenuity, and having been through the company’s Albany factory, it is amazing to see how much of the mechanical parts of the system are built in house. The Sealegs system works by having motorised wheels, two aft and one for’ard that gives the skipper the ability to drive up to 7.5km/hr on land. Such is the power, and the torque of the 35hp Honda onboard motor is that you can navigate gradients up to 25% going either up or down.
Two 16” Simrad MFD’s sit prominently in the dash at the helm.
The newly named Hydrosol provides power to all three wheels.
Once in the water, the skipper retracts all three wheels into the ‘Up’ position until they are completely out of the water. The skipper then engages forward gear with the outboard and drives the craft as normal. When approaching land, the Sealegs wheels are lowered into the ‘Down’ position while still moving in the water; the skipper will engage drive to the wheels, then turn off the outboard. Should you need to, you can lower the boat down onto its belly, allowing passengers to disembark. ENOUGH POWER The Interceptor 9000 is rated for 300hp outboards. Most 9000 models leave the Sealegs factory with the 300hp fourstroke as we see here on our test boat, though you could opt for twin 150hp fourstroke outboards should you choose.
Plenty of seating forward with storage under the floor.
Storage under the helm console can be accessed under the bow seating. WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 115
BOAT REVIEW | Sealegs Interceptor 9000
The ultimate coastal explorer.
A Fusion MS-RA70 provides the music to the two speakers nearby.
The Sealegs Interceptor 9000, the company’s largest model.
Our test boat was powered by a Yamaha 300hp four-stroke outboard, and it performed exceedingly well. It will deliver a very respectable 40 knots hitting the maximum 6100rpm and burning 103L/H. It was a boat that I struggled to drive slowly, which isn’t a bad thing. With a very light chop on the harbour, I found that it was happiest at 32knots @ 5000rpm using 66.3L/H. Go a bit slower, down to 25 knots @ 4000rpm, and the 300hp Yamaha is using 41.1L/H. Our test boat came with a sizeable 250L fuel tank, and we recorded our performance figures with 125L of fuel onboard, three adults, a couple of dive bottles and minimal gear. Underway the ride was exceptional. It is the kind of boat that gives you confidence in its performance and the way it will handle the chop. The outboard was powerful enough and brought its power on gradually. The aluminium hull was very quiet underway, and even tackling some rougher water, there was no hull noise or slapping. I’ve always thought that with a Sealegs boat; the extra weight of the wheels and hydraulics system comes into play increasing the boats performance on the water. The ride was comfortable and dry and the 116 | RIB ISSUE 3
pedestal seats and the helm were super comfortable to sit in though it is the kind of boat that you’ll find yourself standing to drive in. The helm area is very well finished and has plenty of instruments to keep the skipper busy. The most notable feature in the dash are the two 16” Simrad MFD’s split by the Yamaha digital engine instrument display. Why two 16” Simrad MFD’s you ask? Well, one for the skipper and one for the navigator. You do have
SPECIFICATIONS Model & Model: Sealegs Interceptor 9000 Priced from: $248,000 + GST Price as tested: $315,000 + GST Type: RIB Centre Console Construction: Aluminium LOA (wheels up): 9.15m Hull length: 7.9m Beam: 3.13m Deadrise: 23 degree Height Wheels Down: 2.52m Height Wheels Up: 2.12m Test Power: 300hp Yamaha Four-Stroke Propeller: Yamaha Saltwater Series II - I5 ¾ Power options: Single/Twin Outboard HP Range: 300-400hp Fuel capacity: 250L
that island to invade remember? For onboard entertainment, there is Fusion MS-RA70 with two speakers fitted into the helm on either side and built into the helm console is a sizeable glove box with a passenger handrail above. Overall, a brilliant boat from a great Kiwi innovator. As tested this Interceptor 9000 is $315,000 + GST. Yes, that is a lot of money. But where else can you get a boat of this size that lets you go where this one can?
PERFORMANCE & FUEL RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6100
Knots 5.0 6.0 8.0 12.0 16.0 21.0 25.0 30.0 32.0 36.0 40.0
L/h 5.0 8.0 13.2 20.0 23.8 31.0 41.1 54.2 66.3 77.7 103.0
Contact: Sealegs, Ph 0800 732 5347 www.sealegsrecreational.com
WHAT IT’S GOT
T H E O N LY M A R IN E S T E R E O S Y S T E M W I T H
Z E R O H O L E S Z E R O W I R E S T W O min. I N S T A L L A T I O N
I N STA LLIN G YO U R S T EREO S Y S T EM
HAS N E V E R BE E N SO E ASY
The StereoActive is the only marine stereo system that can be installed in under 2 minutes, without cutting holes or running wires and can be used 365 days a year in any application. Simply install the Fusion Puck, mount the StereoActive and enjoy Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio or USB play back with smartphone charging capabilities. Matched with the confidence of a floating IPx7 water resistant design the StereoActive is prepared for anything.
STEREOACTIVE.COM AU 1300 736 012
NZ 09 396 2900
6M RIBS BUYERS GUIDE
BUILT FOR PURPOSE A BUYERS GUIDE TO 6M RIBS
If you are in the market for a large tender or sports RIB for diving or fishing, then something around 6m could be ideal. Most 6m RIBs are a size variation of either something smaller or bigger and feature many of the same consoles, seating and options. It’s all about what size suits your purpose.
WITH A 6M RIB, you will have enough space for a reasonable size console that provides not only the helm and engine control position but also an area large enough for an MFD and other instruments. Underneath the console is primarily used for storage and in some models, there is even provision for the battery or a tote tank. A moulded forward seat is also a standard feature. The console also forms the base for an overhead bimini, which can be kept open or fitted with drop down clears attached to the screen to act as wind and weather protector. Seating options are vast, from no seats at all to swivelling buckets sets, bin seats and rear bench seats. Extra storage areas are usually restricted to beneath the floor in bin lockers or under a forward seat. Most 6m RIBs provide seating for 5-6, plus there is always the tubes to take the overflow of bodies. While the anchor tackle is usually dropped straight into the forward locker, some brands even offer through-hull auto anchoring systems, which is a very cool feature. 6m RIBs are light enough so they don’t need a lot of horsepower to make them perform well and a single 115-150hp or maybe twin 60hp outboards are enough. There are some that also offer inboard jet units, which does encroach on your limited cockpit space but does give you a great rear sun pad. The following are just some of the popular 6m RIBs available on the market.
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SMUGGLER STRATA 600
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6MM RIBS BUYERS GUIDE
BRIG E580
BRIG E580 One of the newest models from Brig is the e580, which is based on a grp hull with HEYtex high-grade tube fabric. Brig Boats are hand built in Europe and finished to very high standards. The BRIG Eagle (e) range offers high spec watersports RIBs with deep V hulls for open sea stability. The 580 is the baby in the Eagle range and was designed specifically as a luxury sports tender.
ASSAULT 610
ASSAULT 610 Assault RIBs are well known for their larger models, but one of the newest additions to the range is the 610. Available with a variety of console options, the Assault 610 can be run with both single or twin outboards and comes standard with a 100 litre under floor fuel tank. The 610 is well suited to a single 150hp or a pair of 60hp outboards. The deep vee hull offers a smooth and dry ride. Built to CE category, the Assault 610 features a full-width rear seat with storage under and extra storage in the bow locker. Different seating options allow for additional dry storage. Like all Assault boats, the 610 is based on a grp hull with thermally welded tubes for extra strength and durability.
EXPLORER 6000 Made in New Zealand, the Explorer Bluewater 6000 has seating for seven and a surprising amount of practical stowage. The 6000 Series Blue Water range are available in a variety of configurations; console waterjet, console sterndrive, console outboard and open tiller-steer outboard. Explorer NZ offers the 6000 Blue Water with a variety of seating options. At the console, one can choose either a double moulded bin base (with cushion seat and storage under) or a pair of twin swivelling pedestal seats. The versatile 6000 Blue Water has been designed to accommodate a single 150-200hp outboard or petrol or diesel inboard through either a sterndrive or jet unit.
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AB 19VST
AB 19VST
AB Inflatables is a respected rigid inflatable boat manufacturer with fibreglass or aluminium hull boats, tenders and dinghies worldwide. The 19VST is one of nine models in the AB Oceanus range and features a grp hull with fibreglass centre console. It comes standard with a 167-litre inbuilt fuel tank plus seating for 6-7. While conventional outboard power is the most popular package, the AB19 is also available with an inboard and jet unit.
GEMINI WAVERIDER 600
EXPLORER 6000
GEMINI WAVERIDER 600
The WR600 is one of 10 models in the Waverider line up. It is an ideal sports RIB or a tender to a larger yacht. The WR600 offers a variety of seating and console options, such as a lean bar and a rear seat with armrests and polished stainless steel A-frame. Orca Impression fabric makes a stylish boat with a sporty appearance. The rounded deep ‘V’ shaped Gemini hull offers great performance, comfort and excellent handling at top speeds, especially in heavy seas. They are built using the latest technology and techniques, ensuring quality and reliability.
6MM RIBS BUYERS GUIDE
LANCER RD600 An exceptionally strong RIB, the RD600 is based on a very deep vee fibreglass hull with Hypalon tubes. It is a boat that performs at high speeds in all conditions with the softest possible ride. Under floor fuel tanks and numerous layouts are available to suit all applications. The 27 degree Vee keel creates a boat that handles rough conditions with ease. As a moderate size RIB, it has sea keeping characteristics of a much larger size vessel.
SOUTHERN PACIFIC CORMORANT 600
PROTECTOR PROJET
PROTECTOR PROJET
Rayglass Boats have always come up with innovative ideas and its Protector Projet is no exception. It’s completely different to anything seen before, successfully combining a Yamaha personal watercraft and a RIB into one intelligently engineered package. This is no ordinary jet boat and while it delivers all the best attributes of a jet boat, it is still a RIB. This is also a boat that will find plenty of use as a general all purpose RIB suitable for fishing, diving, towing water toys and it’s natural home as a superyacht tender. One word describes driving the Projet – Fun.
NAIAD 5.8 SCOUT
SEALEGS 6.1 SPORT RIB
The Naiad 5.8m has been around for many years, 100’s have been built in many different configurations, all around the world, they were the weather boats
The Sealegs 6.1m Sport RIB is the most compact RIB in the Sealegs family, meaning it’s perfect for negotiating smaller garages and spaces, or for a super yacht tender. The state-of-the-art sport console featured on the 6.1m RIB can be customised
that helped the original Team NZ win the Americas Cup. Highly respected for their off shore ‘Four Wheel Drive’ (tm) capability they are used in a variety of roles from recreational to Police, Navy vessels and super yacht tenders. The 5.8m construction is heavy duty with a 4 or 5mm marine grade alloy hull, a removable double tube system of PVC or Polyurethane outer covers protecting 4 individual butynol inner tubes. There is a range of layouts from open boats to full cabins. Naiad has been around for over 35 years designing boats in New Zealand and building them here and around the world. There designs range from 2.5m up to the 23m Pilot boat. 122 | RIB ISSUE 3
SEALEGS 6.1 SPORT RIB
NAIAD 5.8 SCOUT to suit your needs. Chartplotter options go all the way up to a 12”, or choose to add a Fusion Sound System with Signature Series Speakers to the console for music on the water - among others. The 6.1m Sport RIB encapsulates the best of Sealegs technology in an efficient, agile package. The 6.1 Sport RIB is powered by Sealegs patented Amphibious Enablement System, (AES). The AES, including a fully marinised system of hydraulically powered legs and wheels, is powered by a marinised 22hp inboard engine. This allows the craft to travel for up to 30 minutes within every hour at 7.5kph on land.
SMUGGLER STRATA 600 The Smuggler Strata 600 is a classy RIB, designed for comfort and style. With its 23-degree deep vee hull, the ride is comfortable and safe in all conditions. Options for layout and finish are extensive. Whether you are into diving, fishing, towing the kids or chasing them out sailing, the Strata 600 is more than up to the task. Standard features include a five year hull warranty, a PVC or Hypalon tube option and a built-in 150-litre fuel tank. The Strata 600 is capable of handling outboards from 90hp right through to 200hp and provides ample seating options for 6-8 people.
SOUTHERN PACIFIC CORMORANT 600 Southern Pacific presents the latest all-round RIB combining a rugged new PVC with a lightweight aluminium hull, optimised for Australasian waters. The new design by Dibley Marine group follows a brief from KiwiYachting for durability, weight reduction, and a dry and stable ride with stability at rest. New Zealand designed and built, this craft is perfect for fishing, diving, waterskiing, or as a yacht tender. The 5-chamber air tube incorporates a new type of European Valmex PVC fabric, which features a durable, textured exterior protecting areas of potential abrasion, with the added benefit of non-slip. The aluminium hull is Kiwi built, solid, light, and easily trailered on a single axle trailer.
ZODIAC MEDLINE 580 The Medline 580 is one of five boats in the Zodiac Medline range and has been comprehensively redesigned with one absolute priority in mind: ease of use on land, at anchor and sea. The dimensions and the weight of each Medline model have been specifically optimised to give excellent weight-to-power ration, going for moderate engine power while simplifying launching and retrieving manoeuvres. Deck plans ensure exceptional ergonomics and modularity: onboard movement is easy, the sundecks are spacious and easy to set up; the afterdeck feels comfortable and secure.
Blending quality marine products, craftsmanship and customer care.
LANCER RD600
BRAND/MODEL
Assault 600 AB Oceanus 19VST Brig e580 Explorer 6000 Gemini 600 Lancer RD 600 Naiad 5.8 Scout Protector ProJet Sealegs 6.1m RIB Smuggler Strata 600 Sth Pacific Cormorant 600 Zodiac Medline 580
• ANTIFOULING • POLISHING • TOUCH-UPS • REPAINTS • PROPSPEED • MAST & BOOMS
LOA
BEAM
WGHT
5.79m 5.80m 6.00m 6.00m 6.00m 5.80m 6.10m 6.13m 6.00m 6.00m 5.80m
2.53m 2.40m 2.46m 2.50m 2.20m 2.20m 2.40m 2.46m 2.40m 2.30m 2.54m
569 kgs 535 kgs 775 kgs 518 kgs 270 kgs
HULL
GRP GRP GRP GRP GRP Alloy 780 kgs GRP 1150 kgs Alloy 1050 kgs GRP 220 kgs Alloy 733 kgs GRP
HibiscusMarineCoatings.co.nz
Phone: 09 428 3906 Gulf Harbour Marina, Gulf Harbour, Auckland, NZ
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2
BOAT REVIEW | Smuggler Strata 780 SuperSport
The new 780 SuperSport is a sharp looking RIB.
124 RIB ISSUE 3 126 |PACIFIC POWERBOAT SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
SHOW
STOPPER
If there was one boat at this year’s Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show that got Barry Thompson’s attention, it was the new Smuggler Strata 780 SuperSport. He reckons it was show stopper.
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BOAT REVIEW | Smuggler Strata 780 SuperSport
WAY BACK IN 1979 when I tested my first ever RIB, a 2.9m Naiad, I could never have envisaged just how popular this style of boat design would be. Around forty years ago RIBS were seen as suitable as tenders and until Naiad came along, there were no local manufacturers. If you wanted a RIB, then Zodiac was about it and as there was no local agent for them, you needed to import one yourself. How things have changed. Today there are hundreds of models from dozens of manufacturers in every style imaginable. New Zealand builder, Smuggler Marine has always been at the forefront of the RIB market in New Zealand and over the years has built up an enviable reputation for quality and innovation with their Strata range. They not only produce some of the slickest superyacht tenders on the market but have an exceptionally broad range of cabin, centre console
50 knots with a Yamaha 250.
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and mid cabin RIBs. Managing Director of Smuggler Marine, David Pringle is continually coming out with new designs and over the years has used the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show to introduce something a bit different. The 2017 show in May was no exception and right until the show opened, his latest creation was a well-kept secret. When I walked around the show on opening day I struggled to find a boat that really stopped me and had the wow factor. While there were dozens of exceptional alloy and GRP boats, nothing really spun my wheels. That was until I passed by the Smuggler Marine stand and spotted the 780 SuperSport bow rider RIB. So why a bow rider? David explains - “The success of the mid cabin has been huge for us, but not everyone wants to walk around the side decks to go forward and we had some of our superyacht tender clients who wanted
to maximise the space available with more seating’. Yep, that all makes sense and I could see straight away that once again the team at Smuggler Marine were onto another winner. If there had been a dedicated RIB category at the NZ Boat Show awards, it would have won it convincingly! Unfortunately, there isn’t but there should be. Now I have always been a great fan of bow riders and had quite a few over the years, albeit this was my first RIB example. VERSATILE BOW Smuggler has worked the transition between inflatable and fibreglass extremely neatly by bringing just a hint of the soft tubes into the bow area, but still giving the focus to the solid GRP coamings and bow. The tubes also act as back rests around the generous seating.
The bow area is very versatile.
There’s a live bait tank to port and battery to starboard.
The rear seats lift to expose huge storage areas.
The 780 SuperSport is based on a 27 deg V hull with water ballast.
With a built-in bow anchoring system and Savwinch, there is no need for a deck fairlead, although there is a bollard. The storage area under the squab is massive, with the Savwinch taking up little space. Very neat and a perfect option for the boat. The open bow comes with a clip on vinyl cover, which certainly does its job in keeping the breeze out of the cockpit. While the front squabs provide a couple of loungers, they can be removed to give more fishing space. Again, Smuggler has considered a variety of users for the 780 SuperSport and fisherman are certainly amongst them. The boat has a built-in live bait tank, rod holders, a Manta bait board and overhead a removable rocket launcher with six-rod holders. An optional infill allows you to convert the entire bow space into one large sun pad. DUAL CONSOLE Bowriders are sometimes referred to as being dual-console and the Smuggler 780 SuperSport is certainly that. The consoles are mirror images of each other apart from what’s on top. To starboard is the helm console, finished with a carbon fibre look and with plenty of space for all the
necessary instruments and controls. Our test boat was fitted with a Simrad NSS Evo 3, Savwinch controls, Lectrotab switches, Yamaha engine management display and an Isotto steering wheel. Opposite, the console features a dry storage locker above, Fusion MRX300 control, drinks holder and stainless handle. Both sides also have recessed footrests and big side hatches for access to dry storage spaces inside. Four Fusion speakers provide maximum quality sound. This may be a bow rider but that doesn’t mean you have to be exposed, with wrap around clears hanging from the light but exceptionally strong GRP/foam hardtop. We ran the boat with the clears on and the bow cover in place on an 8 deg chilly Auckland morning and it was like being inside a hardtop. In the summer you would open it all up and enjoy the warmer weather. There is good standing and seated driving positions and with the front seats on sliders, you can adjust the base to suit. The 780 SuperSport has custom designed seat modules that incorporate rear queen seats that hinge to expose deep storage spaces. In here there is enough room for
dive bottles, a cooler bin and all your fishing and safety gear. Smuggler can also modify the seat bases to incorporate a built-in fridge/freezer. With two more underfloor wet lockers, (between the 300-litre fuel tank) the Smuggler 780 SuperSport doesn’t lack for storage options, so there’s no need to leave anything on the deck. Overall the boat offers seating for 9-10 people, so the super yacht tender owners are well catered for. Down aft, the self-draining cockpit has a trademark Smuggler step either side, plus hand holds on the Hypalon tubes. The cockpit sole, bow area and twin boarding steps are finished with U-Deck. The moulded transom is customised to cater for whatever engine power an owner chooses. While we had a single 250hp Yamaha outboard, you can drop on twins or even a sterndrive. Maximum rated power is 300hp. The rear platforms have been extended 300mm over the 750 models (hence the 780 designation) to cater better for divers and water sports users. There is a stainless drop down ladder to port.
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BOAT REVIEW | Smuggler Strata 780 SuperSport
With the covers and clears up it’s like being in a big hardtop.
FLOODING KEEL…OR NOT The 780 SuperSport is based on the same 27 deg ultra deep vee hull used under all Smuggler 750 boats, both in the inflatable and solid GRP model ranges. It also has the flooding keel, which brings in around 150 litres of water or 150 kgs of extra weight below the chines when at rest. Drop the throttle and the water expels very quickly. Add the water to the tubes and you have a boat with incredible stability at rest. An interesting feature of the flooding keel is the ability to stop the water from coming in, which is especially useful if you have a shallow water launching or retrieval situation. David says that with the flooding keel shut off the boat floats around 70 mm higher in the water, which could be all the difference between an easy or difficult launch and retrieval. We ran the 780 SuperSport on a mirror smooth Auckland Harbour and at WOT @ 5700 rpm got the GPS to run to 50 knots. The boat is a rocket ship in the calm water and is a dream to drive. I never touched the trim tabs and only used about ½ trim to really hang the boat up to see what I could get out of it. David said he had been asked about bolting a 400hp outboard on the transom, but I reckon that’s just too much for this type of hull and it doesn’t need it. I have written many times about the superior handling of the Smuggler hull, which outperforms its competition in the rough and while being such a deep vee, 128 | RIB ISSUE 3
A well equipped facia with everything close at hand.
you would assume that it needs plenty of power to make it perform. Well not so, now that the hulls are much lighter than the original heavily built boats. A Strata 750 with just a single 150hp outboard will top out at around 45 mph, proving that huge horsepower is neccessarily needed. Power the 780 SuperSport with a Volvo Penta D3 or D4 diesel stern drive and you can expect 42-45 knots depending on how you weigh the boat up.
EXPERIENCED OWNERS The Smuggler 750, from which the 780 is based has been around for some years and is currently Smuggler’s most popular large RIB. The Smuggler 780 SuperSport is going to suit an owner who already knows what they want in a RIB and while a bow rider may not appeal to everyone, I predict it will be a big success for the company, especially as a superyacht tender. While centre consoles have always been dominant in the larger RIB market, the extra benefits and options available with a bow rider could see it being just as popular.
SPECIFICATIONS Model: Smuggler Strata 780 SuperSport Priced from: $120,000 – boat & engine package (no trailer) Price as tested: $174,000 Type: Bowrider RIB Construction: Hypalon/GRP LOA: 7.80m Beam: 2.8m Deadrise: 27 deg Height on trailer: 2.880m Trailerable weight: 2180kg full of fuel Power: Yamaha 250 Power options: Outboard-Sterndrive Propeller: 19” Fuel capacity: 300 Litres Trailer: DMW
PERFORMANCE & FUEL RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5700
Knots 5.0 8.0 11.5 18.0 23.0 28.5 34.0 40.5 45.5 48.0 50.0
L/h 5 8.4 14.3 21.2 25.4 31.2 44.5 57 81.6 85 96.3
L/NM 1.000 1.100 1.300 1.200 1.200 1.100 1.400 1.500 1.800 1.800 2.000
Manufacturer: Smuggler Marine Ph +64 9 838 9024 E: dave@smuggler.co.nz www.smuggler.co.nz
WHAT IT’S GOT
Range (NM) 270 240 200 220 220 240 190 180 150 150 130
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RIBS & DIVING: A LAYMAN’S GUIDE By Ron Czerniak – Marine Consultant
130 | RIB ISSUE 3
You can dive from anything that floats and while some boats are more suitable than others, when it comes to RIBs of any size, they are the perfect vessel. Whether you are in a 4m RIB with just you and your diving buddy or a 20m purpose-built multi-engined dive boat, nothing beats a RIB.
Nothing beats a RIB as a dive boat.
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RIBS & DIVING: A LAYMAN’S GUIDE Room for a couple more!
ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO I was asked by Dive New Zealand magazine to do a series of boat test articles specifically focused on how well a given boat meets the unique demands of a spear-fisher and/ or SCUBA Diver. I came up with a “Ten Point Must Have Features” list and used it to judge and compare the suitability for different styles and types of boats for diving. Obviously, the more points ticked on this Ten Point list, the better the boat was judged to be as a good dive vessel. Also, another list entitled; “Other Features That Would Be Desirable – But Not Necessarily Essential”, was added to further level the playing field between boats of different sizes and types. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that diving from the stern platform of a 40m superyacht is going to be a whole lot easier and more pleasurable than diving from a 4m tinny or RIB. In this article I look specifically at the suitability of RIBS to be used primarily for recreational diving, but also taking into account the requirements of the commercial and military market. With the plethora of RIBS available on the market these days I felt that by dusting off the ‘10 Plus 10 Features Required For Any Good Dive Boat’, these two related lists would be equally applicable to explicitly evaluate RIBS. 132 | RIB ISSUE 3
TEN ‘MUST HAVE’ FEATURES REQUIRED FOR A GOOD DIVE RIB: 1. Good water entry 2. Easy water exit/ladder/hand holds 3. Tank storage/holders (suitable for various size dive cylinders) 4. Under floor or other gear bag storage areas 5. Spear gun storage/racks 6. Dry storage area(s) 7. Gearing up area to be suitable and practical for a minimum of two divers 8. Self-draining cockpit for easy wash down 9. Fish filleting/seafood preparation/ bait board 10. Electronics/instrumentation to include GPS and Depth Sounder. DESIRABLE BUT NOT NECESSARILY ESSENTIAL TO QUALIFY AS A GOOD DIVE RIB: • Toilet (head) • Freshwater shower (preferably with hot as well as cold water) • Basic cooktop and galley sink • Automatic anchor windlass (depending on boat size) • Weather protection in helm area (canvas or hard top) • Drink holders • Practical and ‘user-friendly’ duck board • Live bait tank • Walk through transom • Room for a chilly bin/ice chest/fridge.
Any other qualities, which make the dive experience that much safer and more enjoyable, should also be considered in assessing the overall suitability of a given vessel for your specific diving requirements and budget. However, it goes without saying that any boat must also be equipped with essential navigation equipment, lights, flares, life jackets, First Aid Kit, VHS radio, etc. for safe boating.
Yeah Right On first glance (depending on your imagination and knowledge) one may think; “All these features on an inflatable? Yeah, right!” Not so. Sure, a small 4m RIB is unlikely to have a toilet, anchor windlass or, for that matter, any of the second tier features; but a large 12.5m RIB could conceivably have all of them as well as every Top Ten feature. It is hoped that the prospective buyer of a dive RIB will find the above check lists useful when considering their purchase. However, we all know that when it comes to buying a boat, our decisions are as much emotional and subjective as they are intellectual and objective. In my opinion, the latter should win out over the former and, if experience tells me anything, by primarily considering the latter, you will more likely satisfy the former.
The side tubes are often the best place to sit when heading off to the dive site. RIBs are easy boats to roll off the sides with all your gear on.
This Lancer centre console makes a great dive boat.
ribs
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RIBS & DIVING: A LAYMAN’S GUIDE
Another great option for a RIB is adding a mounting system such as that offered by Railblaza.
Dixon Marine’s stainless tube ladder is a great addition, especially to smaller RIBs.
Remember too, that all boat manufacturers generally try and satisfy more than one recreational use for whatever boat they build. Thus, unless you are working one-on-one with the builder to come up with a bespoke dive RIB that meets your demanding criteria, the boat will be a compromise. Speaking of bespoke RIBS, the desire for unique and specialised dive RIBS is never more clearly exemplified than by the characteristics required for commercial and military dive use. Companies such as Naiad, Rayglass and Lancer specialise in such RIBs. By in large these types of RIBS, while sharing many of the essential features that make for a good recreational dive boat, need to be super rugged and highly dependable.
Watch That Knife Now that you have some guidelines on looking for and purchasing a RIB tailored to your particular needs, here are some hints regarding how to get the most out of your dive RIB. First and most importantly, it is an “inflatable” boat, despite the fact that it has a rigid hull (aluminium/fibreglass). This means it is subject to being 134| RIB ISSUE 3
punctured and, although modern inflatable boats are built from extremely tough materials and are often multi-tubed (each tube independent of the others), it does mean that you have to be that much more careful with spear guns, knives or other objects that can pierce an inflated tube. Although the puncturing of a tube may not be catastrophic, it will certainly put you and the vessel at serious risk. Depending on the size of the RIB from which you are diving, it is highly likely that you will be perched on one of the inflatable tubes while running to and from the dive site. This means you need to hang on and subsequently this means there needs to be conveniently placed hand holds to grab onto when bouncing through the waves. In a review I did recently on a Southern Pacific’s X-Tender 350 RIB, I was impressed with the fact that Southern Pacific have internally positioned and installed the port and starboard ‘grab ropes’ on the pontoons at exactly the right location at a natural and comfortable level to easily hold on when bouncing across waves. Attention to detail always impresses the hell out of me! Also in a small RIB, generally the safest
way for two divers to enter the water is for one to sit on the port pontoon and the other on the starboard pontoon and on a 3, 2, 1 countdown, both roll off simultaneously, thus ensuring the boat doesn’t tip too dramatically. Of course, if you are in a larger vessel and have the luxury of an easily accessed boarding platform you may wish to enter more gracefully. Then there are also the steps to help you back aboard and an area to drop your weight belt, SCUBA gear, catch bag, etc. when you return from the dive. Kiwi company Dixon Stainless make a specialised stainless steel dive ladder, that is designed to wrap and stow around the tube. This a great option, for any RIB and can be custom built to suit your specific needs. Another thing about RIBs is their stability at rest, something that is especially important when gearing up for the dive or even when you return and are stowing the gear. The inherent stability of the pontoon design is obvious and that’s why they make such great dive boats. Another great option for a RIB is adding a mounting system such as that offered by Railblaza. Their StarPort surface mounted system means you can mount just about anything anywhere. Things like spear guns, fishing rods, a bait board or the dive flag can be kept firmly in place and out of the way. Floor space in a small RIB is valuable, so it’s great to be able to stow items out of the way when not required. In summary, if you’ve never dived from an inflatable boat, I would strongly suggest that before purchasing one, you organise to get out diving on a RIB (similar in size to that which you are considering) before making your final purchase decision. In the immortal words of that doyen of the old classic TV series, Sea Hunt – Lloyd Bridges, “Let’s get wet!” and enjoy your RIB diving.
from the 6.1m RIB
to the 9.0m Interceptor
There are now seven distinct Sealegs amphibious craft, ranging from 6m to 9m, RIBs to all-alloy hulls, centre console to cabin. Rest assured that wherever you want to embark on your amphibious adventure, Sealegs will match you with the perfect craft to take you there. For a demonstration at your home or to learn more, contact us now - we can’t wait to hear from you.
info@sealegs.com www.sealegs.com 0800 SEALEGS
Š 2002-2017 Sealegs International Ltd. The Sealegs logo and Sealegs wordmark are registered Trademarks of Sealegs. The Sealegs amphibious craft is a registered design. The Sealegs amphibious system is patented. All drawings, photographs, text and 3D renders are copyright of Sealegs. All rights reserved. Sealegs protects its trademarks, patents, copyright, designs and IP rights vigorously.
3
BOAT REVIEW | Agapi 800
The
WORKS By Freddy Foote
The new sleek and fast Agapi 800.
136 RIB ISSUE 3 138 |PACIFIC POWERBOAT SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
Heard of an Agapi 800? Nope? Well, neither had our writer. Freddy Foote checks out the newest European brand to hit our shores.
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 137
BOAT REVIEW | Agapi 800
The forward cabin can be shut away by closing the cabin door.
Agapi is new to New Zealand, distributed here by brokerage firm Pinnacle Marine and Automotive, also the agents for Azimut Yachts, Elan Yachts, Impression Yachts, Monterey and Nacra Racing. The brand and design is Swedish, which soon becomes apparent when you notice the edgy styling that the 800 model enjoys. The boats are manufactured in Poland in a co-operation with Delphia Yachts. Agapi is a reasonably young company and has a fairly small model line-up, in fact, there are just two, this model which is joined by a longer and wider 950 offering. The 800 is a new model for the company, based on what was their popular and successful 750. When it was released, the then 750 opened up new dimensions for modern boaters in several European markets and won “Boat of The Year- People’s Choice” in Sweden 2013. After three seasons it
was time for Agapi to take the boat to the next new level. The new Agapi 800 is the result of product development based on a thorough evaluation together with their design team and users. Utilising the same praised hull designed by notable Swedish designer Håkan Södergren, the 800 has gained some length, and the deck and cabin look deceivingly much the same as the 750 model at first glance but has received a number of updates. The design brief for the Agapi 800 was to build a boat that could be trailered behind a family SUV, be safe and easy to handle, combined with an outstanding performance. So, have they done it? LIFESTYLE BOATING Now the Swedish are a clever bunch, that design some pretty cool stuff and having spent some time aboard the Agapi 800,
Another sun lounger can be found on the foredeck.
138 | RIB ISSUE 3
they have achieved the cool factor here as well. Though it is a high-performance RIB, the interior layout is designed to suit entertaining and family boating. The position of the helm allows for a very large and spacious forward cabin area. The main berth is big enough to accommodate two adults, has plenty of legroom, storage underneath and a toilet located behind the helm bulkhead. For extra security and privacy, a sliding door can lock off the cabin from the main helm area. There are also some stylish looking round portholes that open to allow you to ventilate the cabin area and let in natural light. At the helm, the seating consists of a large bench seat that’s big enough to accommodate the skipper and a passenger. The carbon fibre dash has a large Simrad MFD, with Yamaha engine instruments below. To the left of the MFD is a sturdy mount to accommodate tablets, stainless cup holders and the controls for the bow thruster below. Opposite there is a handy layered pocket, which allows you to store small items. With an accent on entertaining in the cockpit, the helm seat lifts up to face aft towards the cockpit, revealing a sink and gas burner below. With the helm seat now facing aft, a cockpit table can be installed. Under the aft bench seat, there is further storage, with this seat also converting to form a large and comfortable sun lounger. Should this sun lounger be occupied, then a squab can be fitted to the area on the foredeck to create a second lounging spot. Our test boat was finished in Swedish Flexiteek as an option, although there are a number of finishes available. Over the cockpit, the sizable carbon fibre hardtop extends quite far aft, providing shade to those reclining below. LED lighting above helps set the mood. Our test boat was finished with the optional teak, although there are a number of finishes available. There is a ski pole in the centre of the transom, which has a removable cup holder to put in place when needed. There is also wet storage lockers built into the transom, with an over the side boarding ladder as an option. Navigation to the foredeck is relatively easy with plenty of foot room available via the Hypalon tubes and hand holds on the top edge of the targa top. A solar panel on the targa also ensures the battery systems are fully charged.
FULL POWER Our test Agapi 800 was powered by a Yamaha F300 four-stroke and with that power, you can expect 45-50 knots, depending on fuel load and gear/ passengers on-board. We found a nice cruise speed of 25 knots @ 3500 rpm with the 300hp Yamaha using 32 lph. Flat out, we managed to get 45 knots @ 5700rpm, using 101 lph. 50 knots is achievable, but we didn’t hit it on our test day. The Agapi 800 hull is rated for outboards up to 300hp and you would get away with a 250hp. However, this is a performance boat so I’d go for the 300hp. Underway, the Agapi 800 was confidence inspiring to drive. You could point it in any direction you wanted, no matter what the water conditions the hull would just eat it up. The hull is well balanced and the more you push it, the better it went. It didn’t need too much trim, and even when flat out, you felt very confident that the hull would perform as it should. The ride is reasonably soft and despite hitting a few larger waves, it never came down hard on re-entry. It’s a boat even a novice could drive with confidence and you’ll soon be throwing it through the swell and chop like a pro – an immensely fun boat to drive. The helm position was very comfortable, with a well-placed footrest below and there is plenty of visibility forward and out to the sides. We ran our test boat with the ‘clears’ in place between the windshield and the targa top above – it was June after all! Should you want to take the boat out for extended trips away, there is canvas pack that fully encloses
The aft bench seat converts to a sun lounger.
Our test boat came with an optional teak finish throughout.
The Agapi 800 enjoys edgy Swedish styling. We love it!
LED lighting in the targa top is a great feature. WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 139
BOAT REVIEW | Agapi 800
A 300hp Yamaha four-stroke will get the Agapi 800 along to around 50 knots.
Cupholders are scattered throughout the boat, these three aft and removable.
the cockpit. It’s probably not big enough for a whole family to overnight comfortably on, however it has enough space and amenities for a couple to venture in for a night or two comfortably. Overall, I loved the Agapi 800. The RIB cabin market used to be quite a niche, however, it recent times it has certainly changed, with a number of different sized models and configurations now available locally from a wide variety of manufacturers. The Agapi 800 has a superb finish, with serious bluewater performance to boot and is the ideal vessel for those who want to get to their on water destinations quickly and comfortably no matter what the conditions. What’s more, it’s hugely versatile and packs a lot of features into a boat that we’re not used to seeing marketed in this part of the world. With some weight saving here and there, though it’s a big boat, the trailerable weight for the Agapi 800 is just 2200kg, which means on New Zealand roads it’s easily trailerable, and compared to boats of similar length it’s not oversize. As tested this rig is $179,000 without the trailer, which will cost you an extra $7600. Some might think $179,000 sounds expensive, but it’s really not. When you start adding up the carbon fibre construction, the teak finish, the 300hp Yamaha outboard, bow thruster, electronics package, it soon adds up and you, in fact, have a lot of boat and features for your money. Definitely, one of the best larger performance RIBs I have tested for a while and should be on everyone’s list if you’re looking for a boat of this size. The Swedes seem to love it, and I think Kiwi boaties will too. 140 | RIB ISSUE 3
For a RIB, the Agapi 800 enjoys a sizeable lower cabin.
SPECIFICATIONS Model & Model: Agapi 800 Price as tested: $179,000 Type: Cabin RIB Construction: GRP LOA: 7.8m Beam: 2.55m Deadrise: 23 degree Height on trailer: 2.8m Trailerable weight: 2200kg Test Power: 300hp Yamaha Four-Stroke Propeller: 20” Power options: Single Outboard HP Range: 250-300hp Fuel capacity: 250L Trailer: Tandem Axle
PERFORMANCE & FUEL RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5700
Knots 6.0 8.0 10.0 16.0 21.0 25.0 31.0 37.0 42.0 44.0 45.0
L/h 4.9 8.0 14.3 19.5 26.0 32.0 47.2 54.9 92.6 101 101
Contact: Pinnacle Marine & Automotive Ph + 64 9 377 6602 david@pinnaclemarine.co.nz www.pinnaclemarine.co.nz
WHAT IT’S GOT
DB213
Puffin Roll-up
New Shearwater Airfloor 260
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WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 143
JPRIBS Profile
GENERATION
142 | RIB ISSUE 3
JP RIBS is one of the hottest new RIB builders in the country and they are fast making a name for themselves worldwide. At the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show they released two of their newest models.
“It wasn’t an ordinary RIB - it had a touch of class that you don’t normally see with trailer boats.” So said the new owner of JP RIBS’ Custom 800 Cabin the first time he spotted one of the Northland-based RIB builder’s tenders. That first meeting was at the Auckland On Water Boat Show and in the time since, JP RIBS has ctrafted him his own custom RIB designed to exactly match the new owner’s lifestyle. It was the combination of high-spec luxury, and the function of a performance RIB which won him over and the two traits are rapidly becoming the company’s hallmarks. Started in 2015 by a father and son team, JP RIBS has been doing rapid business with orders flowing in from Europe for customers seeking the luxury RIBS as superyacht tenders. While Phil Edgar is a well-recognised name in New Zealand marine circles as a competitive yachtsman and boatbuilder known for pushing the boundaries, son Jonathan has made his own name for himself in the
European superyacht industry. The combination of the two has seen them produce a style of RIB new to New Zealand - fast, sexy, and with the finishing touches that take a day on the boat to the next level. “We’ve been pleased to see the level of interest from Australia and New Zealand in this sort of craft,” said Jonathan. “It’s been great to see people moving towards RIBS that are performance machines, and which have these individual touches. I think there’s a growing realisation that your boat can be created to be exactly fit for purpose for how you spend your time on the water.” The RIBS are crafted to a large degree in Whangarei in Northland, allowing the team to get them onto the water and tested in big seas and challenging conditions. Though the guys enjoy their superyacht tender work, two recent launches destined for New Zealand owners have let them push the boundaries of creating RIBS within budget and designed around their future owners’ lifestyles.
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JPRIBS Profile
CUSTOM 800 CABIN See the matte black Custom 800 on the water in tandem with another of the JP RIBS fleet and you’d be forgiven if stealth bombers come to mind. The RIBS are sleek, futuristic and have the clean lines which comes when good design meets form. Good looks aside though, this is a RIB which is created to be unquestionably fit for purpose. A wide body design with D section pontoons aft give plenty of room for an extended boarding platform, full width console, and a
from cockpit, to navigation lights, to underwater lighting, makes for a very impressive sight as the RIB passes at night. The console is large and lockable, with plenty of dry storage and ample room for a toilet if desired. The freshwater tank holds 70 litres for washdown and to supply the deck shower. A bench of solid teak is flanked with built-in glass holders for the sunset Sauvingnon or lager. There’s also an underfloor locker big enough for dive gear. Behind the aft seats, a pair of
large cockpit designed specifically to suit the New Zealand boating lifestyle. The Flexiteek floor hides a 260 litre fuel tank, and creamy upholstery covers deeply-cushioned seats, the rear of which fold down for more storage. The centre of the aft seats can be removed to provide a walk-through space to the boarding platform, or the seats removed entirely for more room to change into dive gear or pull in fish. A Furuno TZ Touch 12-inch MFD interfaces with the Mercury Verado for easy-to-read engine performance data, while music lovers will rejoice at the Fusion sound system which pumps through the boat’s multiple speakers. LED lighting throughout,
flooding rear lockers become bait tanks and are set into the Flexiteek which extends down to the boarding platforms either side of the outboard. There’s also a stainless steel fold-down boarding ladder to port of the cockpit. That 350hp Mercury Verado outboard sees the Custom 800 Cabin easily reach speeds of 50knots and cruise economically at 30knots. And comfortably. The strong GRP hull has been designed for a smooth ride, and the RIB is very responsive with easy handling. The T top is also made from GRP, with polished stainless steel supports which tie into the polished steel accents vessel-wide.
144 | RIB ISSUE 3
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 8m LWL: 7.25m Beam tubes inflated: 2.9m Beam tubes deflated: 2.25m Deadrise: 21 eg Fuel capacity: 280 litres Fresh water capacity: 90 litres Recommended horsepower: 225-400hp Top speed: 50+ knots Cruising speed: 30 knots Fuel consumption at cruising speed: 33 lph
WHAT IT’S GOT
CUSTOM 700 DIVE The JP RIBS Custom 700 Dive was created for an owner who wanted a dive boat that was equal parts performance, comfort and function. Warm, dry and spacious areas provide protection from the elements, while extensive storage inside the console, Icey-Tek chilly bins aft, fresh and saltwater sink and ample racks for dive bottles provides everything needed for divers to get out on the water. The console is large, lockable and full beam with walk-around decks and holds a flush-mounted Raymarine VHF, flatscreen Furuno TZT2 12 inch plotter to find your fishing and diving spots, and USB charger and 12V outlet. LED Navigation and anchor lights continue the high spec finish, and UV-resistant
marine upholstery in a creamy leather look adds to the visual appeal. A deep V custom hull delivers that JP RIBS signature smooth ride, even at the top speed of over 40 knots, and underwater lights, custom Stainless Steel boarding ladder, support rope rails on all tubes and plenty of room onboard to change into gear ensures divers’ safety. The seven metre is equipped with all the mod-cons, has a cruising speed of 25 knots and is powered by a Mercury 200 HP Verado 6 Cylinder. With an interior that’s more pareddown than the Custom 800 Cabin to accommodate the needs of divers, the 700 is a good example of how JP RIBS builds to suits the client.
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 7 m LWL: 6.50 m Beam tubes inflated: 2.75m Beam tubes deflated: 2.06m Deadrise: 23 deg Fuel capacity: 160 litres Fresh water capacity: 80 litres Recommended horsepower: 100-250hp Top speed: 40 knots Cruising speed: 25 knots Fuel consumption at cruising speed: 33 lph
WHAT IT’S GOT WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 145
THUNDERCAT RACING
HIGH ADRENALINE If you have been to one of the more popular surf beaches around the Coromandel you may have seen a group of adrenaline junkies flying their small boats through the surf. Thundercat racing has been part of the New Zealand and in fact world racing scene (X-Cats in the UK) for nearly two decades and it is still a very popular sport.
146 | RIB ISSUE 3 148 PACIFIC POWERBOAT JULY / AUGUST 2017
CELEBRATING 18 YEARS IN NZ, Thundercat Racing is a high adrenaline motorsport with explosive wave jumping and tight competitive racing in a tunnel hulled inflatable boat. Crews are made up of two people, the pilot steers the boat and the co-pilot uses their body weight to stabilise the craft and obtain optimum speed. Thundercat Racing is arguably New Zealand’s cheapest motorsport and one of the most spectacular to watch. Racing is held in the North Island at some of NZ’s most popular beaches such as Mount Manganui, Whangamata and Kiriotahi. Recently the famed Title Enduro events, which included the Cook Strait Crossing was reintroduced. This saw crews race from Lyall Bay, across the Cook Strait, into the sounds and back again in a gruelling 120km battle taking place on one of the most challenging bodies of water in the world. King of the Cape is another popular event , which see teams battle some huge surf side on as they race the full length of 90 Mile Beach and back again, all within the surf line. This surf haul style competition is absolutely unique to NZ and offers a completely different aspect to racing in what is arguably the most popular event of the series.
Operating under the umbrella of the NZ Powerboat Federation, the Thundercat Racing Association of New Zealand (TRANZ) is the not for profit governing body. Their mission is to create a fun, safe and affordable racing community. HOW GET INTO A team can pick up everything needed to race competitively for under $15,000. The rigs are very reliable and cheap to run, on a typical race day, a team would
use only about 20 litres of standard 91 octane fuel. To win races is not about open cheque books, it is about training, taking time to set up their rigs for the conditions and tweaking propellers. Admittedly being a little crazy and willing to launch a boat 3-4m in the air over a wave is also handy! One of the drawcards to this sport is the versatility of the rigs which can be used not only for racing but also diving, fishing, wake boarding or just playing in the surf.
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 147 WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 149
THUNDERCAT RACING Once becoming a member, TRANZ has ambassadors in each region who can assist new teams with training, set up and basic mechanical tips. TRANZ will also lend a hand to teams in their mission to find a sponsor. BOATS The boats are made up of an inflatable tunnel hull design that weighs only about 75kg, a propeller, a propeller guard and an engine. These inflatable catamarans come in all shapes and sizes from manufacturers such as Aquarius, Gemini, Infanta, and Ceasar. The boats are powered by a two-stroke Yamaha or 50hp Tohatsu outboard motor with a crew of only two people. The driver steers the boat and the co-driver uses his or her body weight to stabalise the craft and obtain optimum speed. This crew of two must work together seamlessly to attack waves and navigate turns sharply. The engines are kept standard as per the rules. Engines are measured and sealed at the beginning of each National season to ensure no tampering or modifications. There is a bandit class which allows modifications galore however this class is very small in NZ with most favouring the standard class. The popular standard class not only keeps costs down and increases reliability, it also means that all rigs are fairly similar making for tight competitive racing, this can be especially thrilling in an inflatable boat that reaches speeds over 100kph. THE RACES There are three internationally recognised courses in Thundercat Racing and one type of course that is uniquely Kiwi. They were created to push newcomers to their limits and test veterans alike. Whether by sea, by river, or by lake, if there’s water, Thundercat Racers will want to conquer it! Surf-Cross: This short course tends to be 200m x 300m with boats jumping over waves to heights of up to 6m! Surf-Cross is exciting for spectators and racers because every point counts! Circuit: All about the speed! This is a larger course where the driver can really let their engine go. Speeds over 100km per hour are commonplace on this course! Enduro: These long-haul races tend to be over 100km. Teams race down rivers and coasts, beach the boats, and then run around checkpoints. They are out in almost all weather conditions and are a true indicator of the physical fitness and endurance of the crew and seaworthiness of their craft. 148 | RIB ISSUE 3 150 PACIFIC POWERBOAT JULY / AUGUST 2017
Kiwi Enduro/Surf-Cross: This race is a combination of its’ two namesakes. It is a long-haul event that tests the endurance and fitness of the crew as well as their ability to navigate long distances through the surf. This Kiwi classic course is race at 90 Mile Beach and is a racer favourite!
CONTACT: To find out more, the 2018 race calendar or get involved visit, www.thundercatracing.co.nz or email info@thundercatracing.co.nz
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM | 149 WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 151
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156 PACIFIC POWERBOAT JULY / AUGUST 2017
WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 157
THE ALL-NEW YAMAHA F90 FOUR-STROKE With 14,000km of coastline, over 180,000km of rivers, and 3,820 lakes, there’s more to the land of the long white cloud than land. And now, with its class leading performance, the all-new Yamaha F90 can get you to those undiscovered fishing spots quicker than ever before. What’s more, the F90’s unrivalled reliability means you can relax in the knowledge you’re in good hands. So take the helm, explore what’s on your doorstep and see New Zealand like never before.
SAME PLANET. DIFFERENT WORLD.
158 PACIFIC POWERBOAT JULY / AUGUST 2017
yamaha-motor.co.nz P29/25757/PP
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