Pacific RIB 2021 by PowerBoat Magazine

P A C I F I C

A REAL RIB TEST

THE 100% RIB MAGAZINE

ISSUE 7 - 2021 ANNUAL

HIGHFIELD 5.4 PATROL CENTRE CONSOLE

A CENTURY OF PROGRESS

A BUYERS GUIDE TO CABIN & CONSOLE RIBS

JET RIBS REVIEWED

PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490

LAMONT T430 JET TENDER

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PA C I F I C R I B 2 0 21 A N N U A L

CONTENTS 121 TAKAC AT RELEASE NEW T460LX

The T460LX is the newest addition to the Takacat range of portable inflatable catamarans and at 4.6m, is their largest model to date.

124 A CENTURY OF PROGRESS

It’s more than 100 years since the first ‘pneumatic’ boat was launched in Germany. We look at how the RIB developed, including a Buyers Guide to Console and Cabin RIBS.

132 HIGHFIELD SP 5.4 PATROL REVIEW

Richard Milner checks out the Highfield Patrol 5.4, one of seven models in the Patrol Series from the world's largest builder of aluminium hull rigid inflatable boats.

We take four jet powered Naiads and explore the Kaituna River.

142 L AMONT T430 JET TENDER REVIEW

Previously marketed as the Explorer Jet Tender, the all-new Lamont T430 Jet Tender is a whole different boat. Text by Barry Thompson.

146 SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490 REVIEW

Southern Pacific have entered the jet tender market with their Prodigy 490. Barry Thompson went for a run and was impressed.

Highfield SP 5.4 Patrol See page 132

P A C I F I C

MERCURY DEALER OF THE YEAR (NZ & AUSTRALIA)

138 N AIADS BAC K T O N ATURE

GULFLAND MARINE Mercury & MerCruiser Diamond Advantage + Dealer. Mercury Certified Workshop MerCruiser Certified Worksho . MerCruiser Diesel Dealer

Mercury Dealer of year Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

(The only New Zealand Company in history to ever receive this award)

Mercury New Zealand Dealer of the year 2017, 2018 & 2019 Stabicraft Alloy Boats. Stabicraft’s largest dealer 2017 and 2018 CSB Huntsman, Larson & Seaswirl Fiberglass boats Mercury Inflatable

A REAL RIB TEST

THE 100% RIB MAGAZINE

ISSUE 7 - 2021 ANNUAL

HUGE STOCK SHORTAGES WORLDWIDE…

So get your order in now, to avoid disappointment !

HIGHFIELD 5.4 PATROL CENTRE CONSOLE

CURY PORTABLES. TWEIGHT AND BUILT TO LAST.

y’s Portables range provide the power that n carry, run and depend on. With twelve ower options ranging from 2.5hp to 30hp, ompact units punch well above their weight.

A CENTURY OF PROGRESS

al authorised Specialist

A Century Of Progress. See Page 124

A BUYERS GUIDE TO CABIN & CONSOLE RIBS

YOUR NZ AUTHORISED MERCURY SPECIALIST

JET RIBS REVIEWED

ad, Whangaparaoa, North Auckland, New Zealand x: 09 424 1948 | Email: craig@gulflandmarine.co.nz

ulflandmarine.co.nz

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SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490

P A C I F I C

PUBLISHER D&B Publishing Ltd Trading as BoatMags.com

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LAMONT T430 JET TENDER

EDITORIAL Barry Thompson, Editor DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2086 Mob: +64 (0)21 777 355 barry@boatmags.com

ADVERTISING New Zealand & Australia Doug Dukeson DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2328 Mob: +64 (0)21 772 202 doug@boatmags.com Alex Ram DDI: +64 (0)9 428 7277 Mob: +64 (0)21 0286 5298 alex@boatmags.com

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REGISTERED OFFICE Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 www.powerboatmagazine.co.nz Postal Address: PO Box 132 Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0930, New Zealand. Printer: OVATO ISSN 2382-0993 (Printed) ISSN 2382-1000 (Online)

e See us at th Tairua Boat Show a… Tairua Marin h 13th to 15t August.

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FIRST IMPRESSION

TAKACAT RELEASE NEW T460LX It is one of the largest genuinely portable inflatable catamarans on the market due to the original Takacat removable Tube Transom. The T460LX boats oversize 550mm dia tubes offer superior buoyancy with the additional safety of a four-chamber tube system. Pressure relief valves are standard to avoid over-inflation or heat expansion. The air deck inflatable floor is a durable design for a wide range of uses, with heavy-duty inflatable and rigid floor options. The T460LX is rated to take up to a 20hp outboard and rated to take eight persons or 830kgs working load. With its 4 + 1 safety chambers, raised floor and open/removable transom design, the 460LX is well suited to a wide variety of uses such as fishing, diving, flood rescue, coach and support boats through to the true adventurer. Takacat is an innovative New Zealand based company located in Auckland. Since 2007 the company has been committed to bringing to the New Zealand and international markets a new and exciting range of catamaran inflatable boats, which offer the key attributes of safety, stability and speed with great versatility and ease of use characteristics. The range comprises 9 models from the 2.4m GO Series through to the new T460 in the LX Series. The Takacats are designed for quick and easy assembly. No mucking around with heavy and complicated floorboard systems. Inflation is either with a manual or electric pump. Electric pumps take approx 10-15 minutes to inflate your boat depending on the Takacat size and 20 to 40 minutes via the manual pump and your fitness level. The innovative, fully removable transom enables the Takacat to be rolled-up smaller, easier and lighter than traditional inflatable boats that have a fixed transom. A big advantage when it comes to handling, transportation and/ or storage. Ideal for the caravan, motor home and foldaway tender markets. The Takacat LX and Sport Series offer true portability. They can be fully deflated and will fit into most cars, SUVs, etc.

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They can be transported either inflated or deflated on roof racks. They can also be stored easily on boat decks and duckboards and take up little space when stowed away for storage. Takacat’s T460LX is constructed using a complete glued system and available with PVC or Hypalon tubes. Unlike conventional ribs or inflatable boats Takacats can now be re-tubed simply and cost effectively due to their revolutionary transom design. The fully removable high pressure air deck floor system, and tubes are not fixed or glued to a hull or transom. Therefore there is no hassle or costly process to have your aged of damaged tubes re-made and replaced. You just simply order a set of new tubes from Takacat. Takacat’s 460 LX can be fitted with a quick release wheel system that makes launching and retrieval easier than ever before. This opens up a wide range of launching locations where it is not possible with other types of boats. Takacats are light in weight for their size and are well balanced both on and off the water. As an added bonus all models from the T340LX to the T460LX feature an inflatable airdeck floor that can be used as a SUP when not using the boat with the fin provided. NEW TAKACAT NZ TEAM Paul and Helen Powney have taken on distributing the Takacat inflatable catamaran range for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Founded by Greg Sowden in 2007, Takacat has become a global success with well over 10,000 boats sold worldwide through a global distribution network. Paul’s career has been involved with the marine industry for well over 25 years, starting in the RNZN as a weapons electrical mechanic then working for diesel engine distributor TransDiesel in various sales and management roles before joining The NZ Sailing Trust as their CEO. Takacat NZ has opened a new Showroom on Auckland’s North Shore at Unit 8, 3 Oracle Drive Albany. www.takacat.co.nz | www.takacatasia.com

The T460LX is the newest addition to the Takacat range of portable inflatable catamarans and, at 4.6m, is their largest model to date.

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A CENTURY OF

PROGRESS SOFT HULLS TO HARD BOTTOM RIBS

HIRTY or so years ago, if you lived in New Zealand and wanted an inflatable tender, you had to source one from overseas or purchase a cast-off from a visiting yachtsman. Like Hoover is to the vacuum cleaner and Xerox is to the copier, Zodiac was coined as the generic name for inflatable boats. And rightly so, as it was Zodiac that was the first to successfully establish a recreational RIB market. The modern inflatable represents one of the world’s oldest boat-building technologies. The sight of bloated animal carcasses floating past in the flood season may have been what inspired some unrecorded scientific genius to invent an alternative technology. Inflatables began as inflated animal hides proofed with tallow and sealed with tar or bitumen. The Phoenicians first left shore aboard them, and in 880 BC, an Assyrian army mass-produced inflatables to cross a river. But after reaching a development peak some 2,500 years ago, the technology became arrested due to a lack of alternative 124

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materials. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the development of rubber coatings that made fabric waterproof offered a breakthrough. In 1846 a British expedition to the Arctic was accompanied by circular inflatable boats made by Macintosh, the firm founded by the inventor of the raincoat. Subsequent designs cropped up from time to time but were never developed until 1913. Albert Meyer in Germany developed a ‘pneumatic’ boat that was later used in small numbers by the German army and marketed commercially.

It’s more than 100 years since the first ‘pneumatic’ boat was launched in Germany. Practical and versatile, the inflatable was one of the twentieth century’s most significant small boat developments. While the earliest boats were soft bottom, with the advent of the rigid hull, the inflatable boat market took off.

Smuggler Marine are one of the market leaders in centre console and cabin RIBs

FROM LIGHTER-THAN-AIR TO LIGHTER-THAN-WATER In 1896 in Paris an aeronaut called Maurice Mallet with two partners founded the Société Mallet, Mélandri et de Pitray, a venture to design and build airships. The company name is hardly one to resonate in the memory, which is why, when it began to manufacture the world’s first sporting and tourist balloons, the decision was made to market them under a somewhat catchier trade name, registered in 1909: Zodiac. Zodiac is a significant name in the history of aviation and was very involved with the development of balloons and powered dirigibles, and made a name for itself producing small collapsible airships for private use. It also constructed France’s first rigid airship, the Spiess, which presented a grand spectacle with its 110-metre length and 12,000 cubic metre volume but didn’t go down well with the public because it looked too much like a Zeppelin. During World War I, it built observation balloons, antisubmarine airships, and aircraft. Peace brought a downturn in orders, and Zodiac returned to basics, making nothing

but sports balloons and airships for the French navy. Pierre Debroutelle was an engineer, aviator and aeronaut who had been with Zodiac designing airships and biplanes since 1909. But he was also a keen duck hunter, and legend claims it was this that inspired him in 1934 to utilise his expertise in the use of airtight cloth and glueing techniques to design a two-person inflatable kayak. It consisted of two rubbercoated buoyancy tubes set parallel and joined by a layer of fabric on which sat the crew. He followed it in 1936 with a 3.6m catamaran of the same design, which sported a sail and central drop keel. The French navy followed the development of these prototypes with interest, and in 1937 asked Zodiac to solve a problem it had ferrying bombs and torpedoes out to its seaplanes. Debroutelle responded by mounting a pair of 4.5-metre floats at the edges of a wooden deck and joining them with a transom; et voilà!, Zodiac had its first orders for inflatable boats.

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Then in 1940, Debroutelle launched his ‘A-type’ inflatable. A lateral float connected its parallel floats at the bow to form a ‘U’, while the transom was used to mount a 9-hp outboard motor. The modern inflatable was born. Zodiac fell on hard times during World War II when the German army took over its premises, and production limited to barrage balloons and rubber clothing. Debroutelle continued experimenting in secret, but while Zodiac had inadvertently pioneered the modern inflatable, it remained known as a balloon manufacturer until after the war. On the other hand, several companies were already established as inflatable manufacturers during the 1930s. Chemists made another significant contribution. Early inflatables used a cotton fabric base with a rubber coating, which deteriorated rapidly and wasn’t fuel resistant. But in 1931, Du Pont began marketing a new synthetic rubber under the brand name Neoprene, which with a nylon base offered both tear-resistance and durability. Neoprene remains in use to this day. The affluent 1950s saw the rise of the ‘leisure society. For the first time, ordinary people had the time and money for recreation. Land-lubbers were going to sea in droves, which created a need for robust easy-to-handle boats. By 1965 Zodiac was exporting a third of its production, and RFD in Britain had become the first of many companies to manufacture Zodiacs under licence. Technical factors limited neoprene coatings to a colour range of black or grey, but the introduction of Hypalon enabled inflatables to be colour coordinated with the “psychedelic sixties”, giving them an irresistible social allure.

Picton based Naiad have been building RIBs since the early 1980s.

THE RIB ARRIVES

EANWHILE, the inflatable’s reputation as a ‘serious’ boat was enhanced in 1962 when the RNLI purchased Zodiac models built by RFD for sea rescue. Inflatables made superb lifeboats with their stability, buoyancy and ability to bump against other craft without damage. But they had a significant disadvantage: they were almost unmanageable at fast speeds in heavy seas. The problem caught the attention of Rear Admiral D. J. Hoare, headmaster of Atlantic College, a British equivalent of the Outward Bound school. In 1963 he glued the tubes of an inflatable to a flat piece of ply with a small central fin. With a 20-hp motor, it promptly won a prize in a local powerboat race in weather so atrocious that conventional speedboats were breaking up or flooding. The RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) had arrived. With its seat-of-the-pants pioneering period over, the past 60 years have seen the perfecting of inflatable technology.

1487A State Highway 17, Dairy Flat, Auckland. Ph: 021 570 505 | e: info@seafarerinflatables.co.nz | www.seafarerinflatables.co.nz 126

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Manufacturers of Infatable boats from 2.1m to 6.0m. Quality Repairs – Retubing – Custom Builds.

BUYERS GUIDE TO CONSOLE & CABIN RIBS

The Rayglass 410 is one of the bigger cabin RIBS on the market.

The Kiwi built Buccaneer Enforcer is one of the new breed of console RIBs.

Southern Pacific have recently entered

the jet RIB tender

market with the Prodigy 490.

Sealegs 6.1 RIB was the world’s first amphibious RIB.

AB Alumina 9.5 ALX 2.90m 1.68m Alloy Console Alumina 10 ALX 3.19m 1.68m Alloy Console Mares 10 VSX 3.19m 1.72m GRP Console Nautilus 11 DLX 3.35m 1.82m GRP Console Oceanus 11 VST 3.35m 1.73m GRP Console Mares 11 VSX 3.45m 1.77m GRP Console Alumina 11 ALX 3.50m 1.70m Alloy Console Nautilus 12 DLX 3.66m 1.82m GRP Console Oceanus 12 VST 3.66m 1.86m GRP Console Mares 12 VSX 3.66m 1.82m GRP Console Alumina 12 ALX 3.66m 1.85m Alloy Console Oceanus 13 VST 3.96m 1.93m GRP Console Nautilus 13 DLX 3.96m 1.95m GRP Console Alumina 13 ALX 3.96m 2.00m Alloy Console Oceanus 14 VST 4.27m 1.96m GRP Console Nautilus 14 DLX 4.27m 1.98m GRP Console Alumina 14 ALX 4.27m 2.00m Alloy Console Alumina 15 ALX 4.57m 2.06m Alloy Console Nautilus 15 DLX 4.57m 2.05m GRP Console Oceanus 15 VST 4.57m 1.99m GRP Console Alumina 16 ALX 4.88m 2.14m Alloy Console Oceanus 17 VST 5.18m 2.46m GRP Console Nautilus 17 DLX 5.18m 2.46m GRP Console Alumina 18 ALX 5.49m 2.40m Alloy Console Nautilus 19 DLX 5.79m 2.54m GRP Console Oceanus 19 VST 5.79m 2.53m GRP Console Oceanus 21 VST 6.50m 2.70m GRP Console Oceanus 24 VST 7.31m 2.82m GRP Console Oceanus 28 VST 8.33m 3.07m GRP Console AMF 580 QRV 5.80m 2.70m Alloy Centre Console 750 QRV 7.50m 3.00m Alloy Cabin 900 QRV 9.00m 2.85m Alloy Cabin 950 QRV 9.50m 3.10m Alloy Cabin 1050 QRV 10.50m 3.85m Alloy Cabin 1050 QRV CC 10.50m 3.85m Alloy Centre Console 1170 QRV 11.70m 4.25m Alloy Cabin ASSAULT 9 Pursuit 9.00m 2.92m GRP Cabin 11 Pursuit 10.80m 3.25m GRP Cabin BUCCANEER 550 Enforcer 5.50m 2.50m GRP Console 630 Enforcer 6.39m 2.70m GRP Console BRIG Falcon Tender 300 2.90m 1.64m GRP Console Falcon Tender 330 3.30m 1.64m GRP Console Eagle 3.5 3.50m 1.78m GRP Console Falcon Tender 360 3.60m 1.75m GRP Console Falcon Tender 380 3.80m 1.90m GRP Console Eagle 4 4.00m 1.95m GRP Console Falcon Rider 400 3.93m 1.93m GRP Console Falcon Tender 420 4.20m 1.90m GRP Console Falcon Rider 450 4.45m 1.95m GRP Console Falcon Tender 480 4.90m 2.15m GRP Console Navigator 485 4.85m 2.30m GRP Console Falcon Rider 500 5.00m 2.15m GRP Console Eagle 5 4.95m 2.30m GRP Console Navigator 520 5.20m 2.30m GRP Console Navigator 570 5.70m 2.30m GRP Console Falcon Rider 570 5.70m 2.30m GRP Console Eagle 6 5.95m 2.40m GRP Console Navigator 610 6.10m 2.30m GRP Console Eagle 6.7 6.70m 2.55m GRP Console Navigator 700 6.99m 2.80m GRP Console Navigator 730 7.30m 2.80m GRP Console Eagle 8 7.98m 2.90m GRP Console Eagle 10 9.95m 3.40m GRP Mid Cabin EXPLORER Lamont T320 Jet Tender 3.20m 1.73m GRP Console Lamont T340 Jet Tender 3.40m 1.73m GRP Console Lamont T380 Jet Tender 3.80m 1.98m GRP Console Lamont S380 Jet Sport 3.80m 1.98m GRP Console Viking 380 3.80m 1.98m GRP Console Lamont S420 Jet Sport 4.20m 1.98m GRP Console Lamont T430 Jet Tender 4.30m 1.98m GRP Console Viking 410 4.10m 1.98m GRP Console Viking 430 4.30m 1.98m GRP Console Skipjack 430 4.40m 2.25m Alloy Console Skipjack 450 4.50m 2.25m Alloy Console Skipjack 490 4.90m 2.25m Alloy Console Gulf Cruiser 510 5.10m 2.45m GRP Console Gulf Cruiser 530 5.30m 2.45m GRP Console Gulf Cruiser 550 5.50m 2.45m GRP Console Bluewater 610 6.10m 2.57m GRP Console Bluewater 650 6.50m 2.57m GRP Console Bluewater 710 7.10m 2.80m GRP Console Bluewater 750 7.50m 2.80m GRP Console Bluewater 780 7.80m 2.80m GRP Console FI GLASS Invincible 560 5.60m 2.30m GRP Console GEMINI Waverider 730 7.30m 2.76m GRP Console Waverider 850 8.50m 2.76m GRP Console Waverider 1050 10.50m 2.92m GRP Console Stormrider Cabin 10.50m 2.92m GRP Cabin HIGHFIELD Sport 300 3.00m 1.83m Alloy Console Classic 310 FCT 3.10m 1.70m Alloy Console Sport 330 3.35m 1.83m Alloy Console Classic 340 FCT 3.40m 1.70m Alloy Console

Sport 360 3.62m 1.84m Alloy Console Classic 360 FCT 3.60m 1.70m Alloy Console Classic 380 FCT 3.80m 1.70m Alloy Console Sport 390 3.90m 1.83m Alloy Console Classic 420 4.21m 2.11m Alloy Console Sport 420 / Patrol 4.24m 2.05m Alloy Console Classic 460 4.59m 2.11m Alloy Console Sport 460 / Patrol 4.60m 2.09m Alloy Console Patrol 500 5.00m 2.28m Alloy Console Sport 520 5.23m 2.46m Alloy Console Patrol 540 5.40m 2.48m Alloy Console Sport 560 5.66m 2.50m Alloy Console Patrol 600 6.16m 2.48m Alloy Console Sport 650 6.35m 2.54m Alloy Console Patrol 660 6.60m 2.59m Alloy Console Sport 700 6.95m 2.54m Alloy Console Patrol 760 7.63m 2.90m Alloy Console Sport 800 8.11m 2.94m Alloy Console Patrol 860 8.60m 3.10m Alloy Console JP RIBS Project K 6.4m 6.40m GRP Console Project D Dive 6.50m GRP Console Custom 700 Dive 7.00m 2.75m GRP Console Custom 800 Cabin 8.00m 2.90m GRP Mid Cabin Custom 800 8.00m 2.90m GRP Console Project K 9.1 Cabin 9.10m 3.57m GRP Cabin Project K 10m 10.25m 3.40m GRP Mid Cabin Project K 12m 11.50m 3.80m GRP Mid Cabin KING WATERCRAFT Jet 3.2 3.20m 1.80m Alloy Console Jet 3.6 3.60m 1.80m Alloy Console Outboard 3.6 Bay Runner 3.60m 1.80m Alloy Console Jet 4.0 4.00m 2.10m Alloy Console Outboard 4.0 Weekender 4.00m 1.80m Alloy Console Outboard 4.3 Cruiser 4.30m 1.80m Alloy Console Jet 4.4 4.40m 2.10m Alloy Console Jet 4.8 4.80m 2.10m Alloy Console Outboard 4.8 Legacy 4.80m 2.20m Alloy Console Outboard 5.2 5.20m 2.20m Alloy Console PROTECTOR 250 Chase 7.50m 2.86m GRP Console/Cabin 310 Chase / Targa 9.00m 2.86m GRP Console/Cabin 330 Chase / Targa 10.50m 2.86m GRP Console/Cabin 380 Chase / Targa 11.50m 3.60m GRP Console/Cabin 410 Chase / Targa 12.50m 3.90m GRP Console/Cabin CATALYST Catalyst 45 Powercat 14.00m 4.80m GRP Cabin SEALEGS 6.1M Sport RIB 4.91m 2.46m Alloy Console 7.1M Sport RIB 5.93m 2.71m Alloy Console 7.5M Amphibious RIB 6.29m 2.71m Alloy Console 7.5M Semi Cab RIB 6.29m 2.71m Alloy Semi Cab 9.0M Hydrasol RIB 7.90m 3.13m Alloy Console 12M Cabin RIB 11.70m 3.63m Alloy Cabin NOTE: All boats are amphibious. LOA is with wheels down apart from the 12M Cabin which is wheels up

SEAFARER SF 430R 4.30m 1.92m Alloy Console SF 450R 4.50m 2.28m Alloy Console SF 550R 5.50m 2.44m Alloy Console SF 600R 6.00m 2.36m Alloy Console SMUGGLER Strata 490 4.90m 2.40m GRP Console Strata 520 5.20 m 2.40m GRP Console Strata 550 5.50m 2.40m GRP Console Strata 580 5.80m 2.40m GRP Console Strata 600 5.90m 2.48m GRP Console Strata 620 Amphibious 6.20m 2.70m GRP Console Strata 630 6.20m 2.48m GRP Console Strata 660 Amphibious 6.50m 2.70m GRP Console Strata 700 Amphibious 7.00m 2.70m GRP Console Smuggler 700/740 Tender 7m / 7.4m 2.57m GRP Console Strata 750 7.50m 2.80m GRP Console/Mid Cabin Strata 780 Supersport 7.50m 2.80m GRP Bowrider Strata 800 Amphibious 8.00m 2.80m GRP Console/Mid Cabin Strata 820 Cabin 8.20m 2.80m GRP Cabin Strata 9m/10m/11m 9/10/11m 3.30m GRP Console/Cabin Strata 1000 Amphibious 10.00m 3.30m GRP Console NOTE: Some models are also available as Strata Tenders, and powered by inboard engines.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC Cormorant 390 3.90m 1.85m Alloy Console Cormorant 430 4.30m 1.85m Alloy Console Cormorant 470 4.70m 1.85m Alloy Console Prodigy 490 Jet 4.90m GRP Console Cormorant 500 5.00m 2.30m Alloy Console Cormorant 550 5.50m 2.30m Alloy Console Cormorant 600 6.00m 2.30m Alloy Console PerformR 6.00m 2.18m GRP Console ZODIAC eJet 450 4.50m 2.00m GRP Console Medline 500 5.00m 2.24m GRP Console Medline 580 5.80m 2.54m GRP Console N-Z0 680 6.80m 2.54m GRP Console Medline 6.8 6.88m 2.54m GRP Console N-Z0 70 Cabin 6.99m 2.40m GRP Cabin Medline 7.5 7.34m 2.90m GRP Console N-Z0 760 7.60m 3.04m GRP Console Medline 9 8.90m 3.06m GRP Mid Cabin

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Sealegs 7.5 Hydrasol is one of the world's biggest amphibious boatbuilder's latest models.

The Bluewater 610 is one of the latest RIBs from Explorer Boats.

THE NEW ARRIVALS

HE late 1970s saw a transatlantic gold rush as European inflatable manufacturers, particularly, and during the 1990s, the market went from strength to strength. Europe remained dominant in the industry, due mainly to Zodiac and its subsidiaries such as Avon. The first known Kiwi inflatable was launched by Chris Marks in 1971 when he set up Lancer Industries. Lancer was purchased a few years ago by Sea Legs and are now essentially tube manufacturers. Naiad came along in the early 1980s and today are still very strong, especially in the commercial sector. With the recent sale of Naiad to an Australian company, most of the custom manufacturing is now done in Australia. Rayglass, with its Protector range, has dominated the America’s Cup and yachting scene as well as Coast Guard rescue boats for many years and are one of the world leaders in cabin style RIBs. Smuggler Marine is fast gaining an international reputation for its luxury RIB tenders and, more recently, their range of amphibious RIBs. Their Strata range comprises close to 20 models from 4.9m to 11m in both the ‘wheelie’ and ‘nonwheelie’ version.

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In a few short years, Brig has carved out an enviable reputation and is now one of the biggest selling brands if RIBs in Australasia.

Assault 1050 is one very stylish cabin boat.

8.5M ALLOY CABIN 8.5M ALLOY CABIN

BOOK A TEST DRIVE ATRANGE YOUR PLACE - 0800 SEALEGS 8.5M ALLOY CABIN THE WORLD’S LARGEST OF AMPHIBIOUS BOATS BOOK A TEST DRIVE ATRANGE YOUR PLACE - 0800 SEALEGS THE WORLD’S LARGEST OF AMPHIBIOUS BOATS BOOK A TEST DRIVE ATRANGE YOUR PLACE - 0800 SEALEGS THE WORLD’S LARGEST OF AMPHIBIOUS BOATS

7.1M 7.1MALLOY ALLOY 7.1M ALLOY

7.5M AMPHIBIOUS RIB 7.5M AMPHIBIOUS RIB 7.5M AMPHIBIOUS RIB

THE THEWORLD’S WORLD’SLARGEST LARGESTRANGE RANGEOF OFAMPHIBIOUS AMPHIBIOUSBOATS BOATS THE WORLD’S LARGEST RANGE OF AMPHIBIOUS BOATS

3.8M TENDER

6.1M ALLOY

6.1M RIB

7.1M RIB

7.5M RIB

3.8M TENDER

6.1M ALLOY

6.1M RIB

7.1M RIB

7.5M RIB

7.5M SEMI-CAB

8.5M CABIN

9M RIB

12M CABIN

7.5M SEMI-CAB

12M CABIN 8.5M CABIN 9M RIB WWW.SEALEGS.COM | INFO@SEALEGS.COM | SEALEGS SHOWROOM: 6 UNITY DRIVE SOUTH, ALBANY, AUCKLAND

0800 SEALEGS

0800 SEALEGS 0800 SEALEGS

| WWW.SEALEGS.COM | WWW.SEALEGS.COM

| |

INFO@SEALEGS.COM INFO@SEALEGS.COM

| SEALEGS SHOWROOM: 6 UNITY DRIVE SOUTH, ALBANY, AUCKLAND | SEALEGS SHOWROOM: 6 UNITY DRIVE SOUTH, ALBANY, AUCKLAND

Seafarer’s 4.3 centre console is one of a number in their range.

CHANGING MARKET

HE market has changed massively over the past few years, and today there are hundreds of models from dozens of brands that you can buy in New Zealand or Australia. New Zealand has developed a solid core of specialist builders of centre console and cabin RIBs. Smuggler, Southern Pacific, Explorer, Seafarer, Assault, Protector, and JP RIBS are just a few leading brands catering for the console and cabin RIB markets. International brands as Brig, AB, Gemini, Highfield and Zodiac, are well established in the local market and compete favourably against locally built brands. The market has also changed from the very basic RIBs used as workboats and the small open tenders for larger cruisers and yachts to some very sophisticated and interesting craft. Rayglass has established an enviable reputation with its Protector range of cabin boats. Rayglass, with its Protector range, has dominated the America’s Cup and yachting scene as well as Coast Guard rescue boats for many years and are one of the world leaders in cabin style RIBs.

While the vast majority of RIBs are console or open, there is a growing number of cabin boats entering the market. Cabin models are also available from Kiwi brands, Smuggler, Assault, JP RIBS and Sea Legs. JP RIBS have taken bespoke RIB design and manufacture to a whole new level, with some exceptional custom models. When talking about RIBS, you have to include Sea Legs, a company that has revolutionised how we launch and retrieve our boats. Sea Legs have built over 1500 amphibious boats and exported them throughout the world. The only other local amphibious RIB built is Smuggler, who use the Orion system. Jet powered tenders are one of the new trends, with speciality companies such as Williams catering for the big boat market but with no representation in New Zealand, the way has been left open for local RIB builders to enter the market. We have recently seen the emergence of console jetboat RIB tenders from Smuggler, Lamont (previously Explorer) and more recently, Southern Pacific.

MATERIAL CHANGES

Highfield are one of the world’s largest RIB manufacturers.

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A significant component of an inflatable is the fabric. Hulls will be either GRP or alloy. Fabric technology has significantly evolved in recent years and now includes plastomers, polyurethanes and other materials, which can sometimes be more robust, lighter, thinner and less expensive to assemble. Fabrics used for a small tender don’t need to be the same as those for a large RIB because the intended use is not the same. Most fabrics consist of a strong, close-weave mesh of polyester or nylon material that is sandwiched between two coatings to provide extreme flexibility, superior air and water tightness, as well as resistance to abrasion and the sun’s UV rays. Inflatable boats have come a long way in the last 100 years, and technological development is destined to continue as designers and builders learn more about materials, construction and design.

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BOAT REVIEW | Highfield 5.4 Patrol Centre Console

A REAL RIB REVIEW Despite having three cracked ribs, Richard Milner was determined to test the Highfield 5.4 Patrol in the waters it was designed for.

ome of you are well aware by now that I can’t stand testing a RIB in calm water. It defeats the purpose of having the tubes and the low centre of gravity design of a RIB. While many of us RIB enthusiasts think they look amazing to the rest of the boating community, our beloved boats have some derogatory terms. So today, the water wasn’t choppy beyond belief with Bean Rock reading triple digits, so why you ask did I agree to test the Highfield 5.4 Patrol Centre Console RIB. I agreed because today I had a secret weapon up my sleeve, well, a secret weapon in my ribs – they’re fractured and not one but three. So, to impress me today, this Highfield 5.4 Patrol will have to deliver the smooth ride that Jonathan and his team at Highfield Boats in Auckland have been promising it would impress. Let’s find out. The first glimpse of the boat was at the ramp. It was on a temporary trailer that Aakron had used, and it looked like the business. With its black hull, grey tubes and solid T top, it looked more like it was

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there to execute a drug raid than take me out for a lap of the harbour. It gave the; I mean business look. First impressions were around the T top being slightly forward of the console, which gives the forward passenger quite a bit of protection. It’s easy to avoid the suicide seat on the front of the console as there is usually nothing to hold onto. However, this almost encloses you in. Perfect for my kind of boating… Hammer Down. My first impression is the boat didn’t seem to have much floor space between the bow seat, which houses the 105L fuel tank, and the console seat, which raises to give a vast storage space and easy access to the instruments etc. The console is offcentre on the starboard side, giving loads of space on the port side to move around. The console seat is tubular with a neat folding footrest. It is quite a tidy package. Aft there is enough space for a couple of fish bins or dive gear, so the first impression was quickly dismissed, as this is a well thought out, fullfeatured and spacious 5.4 boat.

A Suzuki 100hp was good for 34 knots and it was the right power match.

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BOAT REVIEW | Highfield 5.4 Patrol Centre Console

The centre console is surrounded by serious pipework.

ON THE WATER

Off the trailer and into the tide was an easy transition and the boat sat very level at rest. I am a big believer in the forward fuel tank. Heading out, I was beginning to wonder if my current condition was sensible. However, the boat sat nice and level and came up onto the plane nicely. Having the console slightly forward, I wondered if I would feel like I am constantly going to fall off the wave, but the boat sat nice and level and gave me the impression it wanted to go. Controls are well placed, and the off-centre console is excellent as you actually do stand behind it. Many RIB skippers will admit they seem to spend a lot of time slightly off to one side to avoid a cumbersome console; however, this one was lovely with everything to hand. It had a neat little Lowrance MFD and an integrated Raymarine engine computer which worked a treat. The carbon dash was a nice finish with the white helm station so looking at the screens wasn’t full of glare. The driving seat was a comfortable distance from the helm and was comfortable either seated or standing. My favoured position is standing and leaning against the seat. It was certainly a safe yet relaxed feel. The T-Top fitted is robust and has lots of mounting plates for toys and equipment. It’s a nice feature. My only gripe with the whole helm setup is the amount of tubing and its size. It does feel that

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the console could fit inside the T-Top tubing without all the extra tubes around the console. Also, at my standing height of 1.9m, the tube over the windscreen is right in the way, so I found myself constantly looking over or under it. If it wasn’t there and the T-Top fitted, then it would have been perfect. But then again, I am quite tall, and the average kiwi probably wouldn’t have this issue. Aft, the optional roll bar is fitted with cleats and more plates for equipment. There is a ring for water toys, an outlet for the underfloor electric bilge pump, some substantial towing eyes for the trailer, and perhaps if you were towing another boat. There is also a ladder with a grab handle on the port side, which is a neat feature when getting out of the water.

IMPRESSIVE HANDLING

The boat was fitted with a 100hp Suzuki, which felt just right for this model. It cruised nicely at 4200 rpm at around 21 knots, and flat out, I got 34 knots. Impressive for a small boat without its largest outboard. The power range of 80-115hp gives a broad range of power from a cruising machine through to something with a fair amount of go if the boat is used with a large load. However, I think the 100hp was perfect. The boat’s handling was impressive for a small boat. It was well balanced and held on in the turns until it hurt. My predicament

The optional roll bar is fitted with cleats and more plates for equipment.

Controls are well placed and the off-centre console is nice as you actually do stand behind it.

The hull offers a smooth, soft ride.

It definitely gave the, I mean business look.

Great access and storage into the console.

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BOAT REVIEW | Highfield 5.4 Patrol Centre Console

'It is designed to look tough, perform tough and is a solid and well-appointed boat.' C

It was well balanced and held on in the turns until it hurt.

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aside, it’s nice to operate a predictable and light RIB that gives you a lot of confidence at the helm. It points precisely where you put it and doesn’t let go. The hull offers a smooth, soft ride. We had a typical half metre swell from the North East with a bit of chop, and the boat ate it up nicely. Even at the higher speeds, my ribs did not indicate that the ride was rough. Trimmed for efficiency around my feet, the hull leapt nicely from the water, and the entry was level. Aesthetically the boat doesn’t look like some other sports RIBs. NZ gets some of the Euro designed pretty RIBS that offer that certain look, and it is fair to say that this Highfield has a different take on style. It’s not got the sleek, sexy look, but it was never designed to. It is designed to look tough, perform tough and is a solid and well-appointed boat. My taste says I would prefer this Highfield over a pretty cousin. It’s functional, and it does exactly what it looks like it should. We spent a good couple of hours on the water, and with my past life setting racing marks from boats of a similar size, I left the boat feeling just as refreshed as when I got on. This, to me speaks volumes for its ride, design, layout and power choice. It was also AUSTRALIA nice to have enough dry storage space. I think it is fair to say that the Highfield brand has got many features Swift Marine nicely tuned for the New Zealand market. The Highfield 5.4 www.swiftmarine.com Patrol is an excellent option in that mid 5m size bracket for up to 47 5594 6266 +61 people to enjoy a day on the harbour. I already own a competition brand 5.5m, but I will seriously consider the Highfield 5.4 Patrol as its replacement when the time comes to replace it. And how did my ribs feel, after you may ask? No worries, no sudden twanks of pain as we thrashed across the choppy Auckland Harbour and a true test of just how soft the boat rode. CY

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The is an anchor locker forward and a good size sun pad to relax on.

Boat Design Name Highfield 5.4 Patrol Centre Console Builder Highfield Boats LOA 5.40m Internal Length 4.30m Beam (External) 2.48m Beam (Internal) 1.33m Deadrise 24 deg Construction GRP / Hypalon Trailerable Weight 980 kg Fuel Capacity 105 litres Engine Suzuki 100 Power Options 80115hp Max Speed 34 knots Priced From $NZ55,000 Price as Tested $NZ49,000 Contact Aakron Marine | Ph 09 4274613 sales@aakronxpress.co.nz | www.aakronboats.co.nz www.highfieldboats.com.au FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 1000 0.9 0.7 1500 3.5 2.4 2000 11.3 10 2500 13.7 11.6 3000 17.5 12.1 3500 19.3 13.5 4000 22.9 16.4 4500 27.7 18.7 5000 29.0 26.4 5500 31.0 29 5700 34.0 33.1

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L/NM Range NM 0.780 120 0.690 130 0.890 100 0.850 110 0.700 130 0.700 130 0.720 130 0.680 130 0.920 100 0.940 100 0.980 96

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FROM THE ARCHIVES: RIB VOL 1

Naiads Back To Nature The chance to be part of a team to explore hidden secrets of one of the North Island’s lesser known rivers, in an inflatable jetboat was something that Barry Thompson couldn’t pass up.

IN 1956, THE INVENTOR OF THE WATERJET,

C.W.F.Hamilton drove the first jetboat on the Kaituna River, from Okere Falls wharf downriver through the rapids below the bridge and back again. Forty plus years later it was my turn to tackle this awesomely beautiful river, albeit from the more sedate lower approach. Today those same rapids are a magnet for rafters and adrenaline seekers, who can experience the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. As jetboating through the rapids borders on the suicidal, our plans were to explore the Kaituna River from where it drains into the Bay of Plenty, at Te Tuna, to the first – or last, depending on which end of the river you start from – set of rapids in the Kaituna gorge. We had four 4.8m Naiad Sport Jet boats to negotiate the river, as well as a whole team of supporters, all keen to see what lay beyond the lush flat farm land around Maketu. The 47 km Kaituna River is the major outflow for Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti and in rafting or kayaking terms the upper sections are graded at 5 plus. The first 15 km are narrow, strewn with rapids including the infamous 7m waterfall and plunge nearly 150m in altitude to where the last rapid falls into the fast flowing river. From there is about 12 km of native bush where Pungas, Rewa Rewa, Kea Kea and Manuka touch the very edges of the clear fast flowing and chilly Kaituna.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES: RIB VOL 1

Steep rock formations provide a surreal background and on every bend your eyes are focused in the hope of surprising a wild red deer or pig. The best we saw were a few sheep, although the bush abounds with native birds and fantails that dart along beside the boat like guardians of a private unspoiled domain. Longridge Park, home of the Longridge jetboat, - a North Island ‘s long established jetboat operator, marks the end of the natural bush and from there downstream the Kaituna meanders through farmland, where Friesian cows and wild ducks are your only audience.

gorge there is still depth upwards of 3m. Our 4.8m Naiad SportJets were all powered by Mercury 175hp Sport jets, which is effectively a Mercury 175hp V6 outboard powerhead modified to take a Mercury outboard jet unit. The Naiad Sport Jet proved to be a great little boat, with quick acceleration and precision handling response. Just like you would expect from a jetboat. You can toss the boat in any direction and it responds instantly. Turn too sharply and you can perform the ‘jetspin’ even without trying.

EASY LAUNCH

The 30 minute trip to Longridge gave us all an opportunity to experience the unique handling of a jetboat as we cruised upstream towards the distant hills. At Longridge Park, a well-known 50 hectare property offering jetboat rides, kiwifruit and farm tours, as well as 4WD adventures, there was time to regroup before heading into the gorge and the ‘unknown’ destination that lay ahead. If you are going to use your own boat on the river past Longridge Park you are required to contact them first. Certain areas of the river are so narrow that there’s no room for two boats to pass, so it’s a matter of making certain the water is clear from other traffic. From Longridge our plan was to jetboat in our Naiads to the rapids, enjoy the scenery and the natural wonder of the Kaituna River and get back to Longridge for a late lunch.

We launched our four Naiads at the Bells Road ramp, about 18 km down stream from our first planned stop at Longridge and only a few kilometres from the river mouth. The path of the river was not always like it is now. In 1955 work began to divert the Kaituna River mouth from Maketu and through an artificial cut at Te Tuma. This gave flood relief to the farms upstream and has resulted in the formation of the Maketu wetlands, a home of duck shooters and conservationists alike. The depth of water in the lower reaches rom the ramp to the sea is such that locals use it to launch outboard powered boats, which they take over the Te Tuma bar and out to fish the waters of the Bay of Plenty. Above the ramp is more suitable for jetboating, although even well into the

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LONGRIDGE PARK

Both the Kaituna River and the Mangarewa river which join a few hundred metres south of Longridge Park, are stocked with rainbow trout, although on this trip we never got a chance to drop a fly and find out for ourselves. Ninety years ago the Kaituna was reported to provide the best sport fishing in the district with rainbow as large as 12 kg being taken and many others caught all the way to the mouth at Maketu. Driving upstream and into the gorge required the drivers of each Naiad to read the fast flowing water for hidden obstructions and to weave their way with caution through narrow sections, between fallen trees and through tight cuttings that presented something different at every turn. We reached the point where we could go no further, despite a number of the team being keen to try. Although the narrow rapid, bordered either side with huge boulders covered only by pressure waves was wide enough to squeeze our small Naiads through, we had been informed that just beyond lay another set even bigger and meaner. The decision was made to look but don’t touch! A number of boats and PWC’s have been lost beyond this point and we didn’t fancy adding to the tally.

BACK DOWNSTREAM

It wasn’t until we turned to go back downstream that we could actually see the rapid fall of the river. You definitely get the impression you are going downhill at this point as the

river drops 30m between here and Longridge Park. Also the return run with the sun in our eyes made navigation more difficult and the was certainly difficult to read. Fortunately the only real obstacles were those hanging off the river banks and all four Naiads returned to Longridge without hitting anything. One of our team did have a ‘major loose’ when approaching a hard turn a little too sharply and unexpectedly carried out an unrehearsed jetspin. Wet jeans and dented pride where the only damage. Back at Longridge we tucked into a feed of prawns, fillet steak and a cool Chardonnay – hey, someone

has to do it – before returning downriver and all the way to the river mouth. The bar was moderate and it would have been no problem carrying on to the Motiti Island, just a few kilometres offshore. Time was against us however and we soon headed back upstream to our launching point. It was a great trip and a neat way to test the Naiad Sport Jet in an environment for which it’s aptly suited. I have not done a lot of jetboating, but the Kaituna trip in the Naiads has certainly got me keen to do more.

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BOAT REVIEW | Lamont T430 Jet Tender

On calm waters off Omaha Beach, we had the T430 running upwards of 35 knots.

MUCH IMPROVED Previously marketed as the Explorer Jet Tender, the all-new Lamont T430 Jet Tender is a whole different boat. Barry Thompson went North to Omaha Beach to try out the first of the new breed.

hile the Lamont brand is new to boating, it comes with a heritage that stems back quite a few years. When Andy Lamont brought Explorer Boats in 2018, he inherited a range of RIBs and a fledging jet tender business.

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“The biggest difference between those earlier boats and today’s models is we have repowered a Yamaha TRI fourcylinder engine coupled to a Solas 6” jet pump”, says Andy. He added that one of the main reasons for the change was to have a universal power

platform that any Yamaha dealer around the world could service. “We also dropped the twin driveshaft design for a single shaft, changed to water-feed seals which are good for 10,000 hours and rejigged and simplified the whole drive train”, added Andy.

Text by Barry Thompson

The Lamont T430 is indeed a versatile craft and a lot more than simply a tender for a big boat.

There is also a two-stage muffler to help lower the noise levels and stop any water backing up the exhaust. As an extra safety item, a fire suppression system is provided in the standard package. Flushing the engine can be done without lifting the engine cover and there is an option for an electric shut off valve to prevent the engine flooding when being towed.

The bow area features another seating area, with a good size anchor locker beneath.

PLENTY OF POWER

The Lamont T430 is offered with a 100hp Yamaha 100 TRI as the standard engine, but you can get a bit more power from the Yamaha 125hp TRI. Not sure I would bother as I found the 100hp unit was more than enough. On calm waters off Omaha Beach, we had the T430 running upwards of 34 knots. At first, I found it very flighty and so instantly responsive to any helm

There is plenty of storage in the side console.

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| Lamont T430 Jet Tender The aft deck area has been extended.

The aft deck line was raised to accommodate the Yamaha engine.

movement that I had trouble keeping the boat straight. I even managed to do several unintentional jet spins, but at all times, it felt safe and was totally dry. Actually, they were a lot of fun, and after I familiarised myself with driving the boat (jets have never been my forte), I did plenty more, controlled and intentional. The 100hp offers instant acceleration, and I am sure it has enough torque to pull a slalom skier up from a deep water start. Previously used as the hull for the Viking jet, the T430 has been lengthened, with

longer strakes and a redesigned transom area. The aft deck area was raised to fit the new engine into the engine space, and the transom platform is 200mm longer. Now well suited for a coolie bin and more area for divers, skiers and swimmers. A transom boarding ladder assists in getting back on board.

PLENTY OF SPACE

Considering the size of the T430, there is a surprising amount of space and dry

storage areas. The full-width aft bench seat hinges up for engine room access, so there is no space for any gear. However, the console offers its share with all areas under the forward and side seat utilised for gear storage. Our side console was reasonably spartan with a speedo, on and off switches and a switch panel. Mind you, what else do you need in a boat like this. There is room for a bracket or flush mounted MFD, a Fusion stereo and a small VHF. The bow area features another seating

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There is a surprising amount of space and dry storage areas.

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area, with a good size anchor locker beneath. Not sure if you could fit a small drum winch in the space, but it would be worth looking into. The Lamont T430 is available with an extended bowsprit, or if you have a length issue in your tender garage, it can be changed for a shorter version that gives the T430 an overall length from the forward rubbing strip to the back of the jet unit of 4.30m.

VERSATILE

The Lamont T430 is indeed a versatile craft and a lot more than simply a tender for a big boat. While it will certainly suit a tender garage or on deck storage (lifting hooks are available), it is also a great little family fun boat. Fish, dive, tow water toys, it’s very Kiwi in design and layout, which adds to its appeal. “While I see a good market in New Zealand, our main drive for the Lamont Jet Tenders is with export, firstly into Australia and the Pacific Islands we are also looking at Europe and the US. “I feel our boats are far more practical, versatile and offer more space than some of the overseas jet tenders, and they are more than just a ship to shore tender”, says Andy. Hull #1 was sold to a Kiwi owner who plans to use the boat as a family fun boat for towing water toys.

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C O N TA C T U S

Boat Design Name Lamont T430 Jet Tender Builder Explorer Boats LOA 4.20m Beam: (External) 1.98m Beam: (Internal) 1.05m Construction GRP / Hypalon Trailerable Weight 600 kg (approx.) Weight; (Hull/Engine) 390 kg Fuel Capacity 55 litres Engine Yamaha 100 TRI Jet Unit Solas Power Options 100-125hp Yamaha TRI Max Speed 34 knots Floor Covering Sea Dek Priced From $NZ55,000 Price as Tested $NZ57,000 Contact www.lamontjets.com

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BOAT REVIEW | Southern Pacific Prodigy 490

TENDER SPECIFIC

While Southern Pacific’s Prodigy 490 is unashamedly aimed at the luxury tender boat market, it is a boat that is also very adaptable for a broader range of uses. Barry Thompson checked out the very first Prodigy 490 and was impressed.

t has always amazed me why Kiwi RIB builders have not chased the luxury RIB jet tender market aggressively. For many years now, Italian and, more significantly, UK brands have dominated that sector, but times are a-changing. Two kiwi companies have just launched new jet tenders, and both see huge potential in the international market. However, interest from Kiwis is already strong. While local sales may not be so much to the superyacht owners, they will definitely find their way into the transom garages of larger motor yachts, at the

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beach house for towing water toys and as RIBs for fishing and diving. The Southern Pacific Prodigy 490 is the first jet boat from this highly rated inflatable boat builder and, from all accounts, will not be the last. Tristan Campbell, sales manager for Southern Pacific, indicated that the Prodigy 490 was just the first of a range of jet tenders. “We are building specially designed products for a specific purpose, and while a small market, we a see it growing in the future”, says Tristan.

DESIGN BRIEF

The Prodigy 490 was designed by Kit Carlier Design as a high-end luxury tender for the Australasian market, offering a vessel with a modern, open feel. The brief was to step away from the typical RIB offering and provide something more stylised, where the tubes became just one of the design elements in the assembly while maintaining practicality. “It was essential that the Prodigy could handle typical harsh Australasian conditions while delivering outstanding performance and providing plenty of

Text by Barry Thompson

'It was essential that the Prodigy could handle typical harsh Australasian conditions while delivering outstanding performance and providing plenty of space.'

space”, says Kit. The Prodigy also needed to overcome the usual stowage height and weight issues faced by superyacht and larger motor yachts. These were overcome by developing a fold-down helm console, meaning the stowage height is kept to a minimum. With the rear seat bolster and console dropped down, the overall height is 1.14m. Overall length from the jet unit to the bow is 4.90m, and the Prodigy 490 has a dry weight of 480 kg. Kit added that flexibility, comfort, and style were also essential to the design.

PLENTY OF POWER

Standard power for the Prodigy 490 is a 4-cylinder Textron TC-155 petrol engine running through a Textron jet pump. A fibre-reinforced composite mount houses the 3-blade stainless-steel progressive pitch impeller, resulting in a strong but lightweight jet system. The 5.8” pump features stainless steel and reinforced composites with sealed high-performance marine-grade bearings. I was very impressed with the way the deep-vee hull handled, and unlike most jet tenders I have driven, it was

On smooth water off Gulf Harbour, I saw the speedo nudge 39 knots.

predictable and tracked straight without any deviation at mid to high speed. When I drive a jet boat, I always like to perform a few ‘jet spins, but not so with the Prodigy 490. No matter how hard I tried, the hull would not let go and slide out from under me. Every turn was surefooted and controlled. In some ways, it took the fun part out of driving a jet boat! The Prodigy 490 gets on the plane at around 3500-4000 rpm and has plenty of power to get you up and running quickly. At 7000 rpm on smooth water off Gulf

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BOAT REVIEW | Southern Pacific Prodigy 490 The Prodigy 490 is a modern, performanceorientated luxury tender that ticks all the boxes.

The wide bow allows seating for two and has a deep anchor locker beneath.

Harbour, I saw the speedo nudge 39 knots, and even then, the Prodigy 490 was a pleasure to drive. Drop back to 6000 rpm, and the speed decreased to a comfortable cruise of 28 knots. Even at 5000 pm, I was getting around 18 knots and enjoying the ride. However, under 2000 rpm, the Prodigy 490 took on the characteristic jetboat meander, and I have to admit I did have issues driving in the No Wake Zone of Gulf Harbour Marina. Keeping the speed low enough and trying to steer in a straight line was not easy. Maybe I need more practice. When I nudged the throttle to 3000rpm, the boat was easier to drive at 5 knots.

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RIB ANNUAL 2021

SEATING FOR SIX

The rear facing squab is a nice feature.

I was surprised at the useable space between the tubes, which allows for seating for six in two internal areas and a large squab over the engine bay. The internal beam of 1.2m, is constant for close to 4m. The wide bow allows seating for two and has a deep anchor locker and storage space beneath. Aft is a full-width helm seat which again seats two, with the side helm console to starboard. The generous dash means you can have up to a 12” MFD, and there is space for extra electronics and controls. I liked the driving position, with the controls easily at hand, and while the Perspex screen does give some wind

protection, you are really out in the open. A nice feature is the oval-shaped stainless handrails which provide some security for your passengers.

WELL BALANCED

The Prodigy 490 is a modern, performanceorientated luxury tender that ticks all the boxes. You can add plenty of options such as a bimini, underwater lights, drum winch, towing tower, sound system, and even an electric power option. Overall a well-designed and exceptionally wellfinished superyacht tender that is also certain to find appeal in much broader markets.

The console folds down to drop the overall height for a tender garage.

The handling was exceptional and it was an ease to drive.

Industry leaders ‘LEWMAR’ present the latest generation in anchoring – The Epsilon Anchor. The Epsilon has ‘Super High Holding Power’ which builds upon the legendary Delta® anchor’s robustness and quality. Its concave ﬂuke and ballast keel ensure mar market-leading holding power and rapid setting, while maintaining self-launching characteristics.

Perfect layout for a tender, but more besides.

Boat Design Name Southern Pacific Prodigy 490 Builder Southern Pacific LOA 4.90m Beam (External) 2.16m Beam: (Internal) 1.20m Construction GRP / Hypalon Deadrise 21 deg Weight (Hull/Engine) 480 kg Fuel Capacity 120 Litres Engine Textron TC-155 Jet Unit Textron Max Speed 39 knots Floor Covering U-Dec MFD Garmin GPS Map 12” Priced From $NZ80,000 Price as Tested $NZ95,000 Contact www.southernpacific.co.nz

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Pacific RIB 2021

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