The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft, je
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Interior view Command and control station Helm station HD digital radar allows two stations to run the radar on different ranges. The station will support a FLIR thermal imaging camera in the future if the unit is satisfied with its operational benefits. We were told the jury was still out on this and at $26,000 they needed to be satisfied it would be money well spent. The helm, navigation and support stations all have ICOM command mikes so if the vessel is operating shorthanded everyone has comms available. Each station has a volume-adjustable speaker on the primary frequency so individual needs can be catered for. The electronics also include Raymarine AIS, a reverse image rear deck camera (the helmsman can bring the image up on his screen and monitor the rear deck without having to look back) and the Raymarine Lifetag automated man overboard system. The MFDs are all Raymarine E Series wide with touch screens. The team's initial inclination was that touch screens wouldn't work all that well in a moving boat. Some pre-purchase sea trials satisfied them that they were wrong and their subsequent experience has confirmed the choice was the right one. The younger crew particularly adapted very quickly to the technology, as it is logical and very easy to use. If it is simply too rough for a touch screen the MFDs retain the standard soft key function so the user has the choice. The for'ard cabin has dedicated storage for six Pelican cases, with stowage space behind them for bits and pieces. Two of the cases hold the defibrillator and oxygen kit, two hold the first aid and trauma kits and the remaining two hold tools and miscellaneous equipment. If you have ever tried doing CPR or administering first aid on a moving boat with a checker plate floor or similar you will probably have said, never again. 76 NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2013 "The Flexitek deck is our little bit of luxury," says Stephen. "It is warm, smooth, non-slip and impervious to pretty much everything the boat is likely to have thrown at it. The first rescue boat had the same covering and our crews swear by it." The specification for Whakatane Rescue II was finalised and the contract signed with Naiad in December 2010. Alloy Cats in Tauranga were the builders of choice and Naiad was happy to have them undertake the work. Construction began at the end of January 2011 and the vessel was launched in October and went straight into service. "Her performance is everything we could have hoped for," says Stephen. With a crew of four, 650 litres of fuel and a full load of equipment load she reaches 45 knots. A 25-30 knot cruising speed gives a range of 200 miles. Fuel consumption at 30 knots is about 85 litres per hour, which is remarkable considering her 8.5m predecessor with twin 200hp motors cruised at 30 knots at about 75 litres per hour. The stepped hull runs reasonably flat on the water and is very forgiving, particularly when it comes to bow trim. This is a real advantage with less experienced crew. "The additional length, beam and weight has proven its worth in one recent response to people in the water on the Ohiwa Bar in atrocious conditions. While working in very rough, shallow water, we took a couple of very big breaking waves with no noticeable effect on the boat," says Stephen. "In contrast, the old 8.5 would have been pushed around a bit. Her stability instilled almost immediate trust and confidence in the crew." The Naiad's stepped hull seems to raise a few eyebrows. Reports from the experience gained of this hull and the Whangarei rescue vessel (which has the same hull but different topsides) has been positive throughout. The