Maritimo 12 crewed by Tom Barry-Cotter and Steve Jellick entered the final round of the Offshore Superboat Championships in Hervey Bay with a sizeable lead in the AUS 1 and Supercat Extreme Championships.

The pair said they entered the weekend with a conservative strategy to preserve that lead of the championship, and not necessarily pushing for race wins.

Maritimo 11, crewed by father and son team Ross and Andrew Willaton in the new Maritimo R36, in only its second event, was out of championship contention and had goals of attaining valuable testing time in the new boat.

“They were plagued with power steering issues in the previous round, which saw modifications in between rounds from the standard Mercury VI Drive power steering system to an upgraded Maritimo Racing system like used in Maritimo 12,” said Barry-Cotter.

He said in the first race of the weekend, Maritimo 12 lead the early laps after a great getaway from the start.

However midway through the race the boat encountered a problem with its trim system, said Barry-Cotter.

“We had to slow to a more cautious pace in the tricky conditions in order not to risk the overall championships,” he said.

“Maritimo 12 finished race one in third, still maintaining a healthy margin in the overall points with one race left on the season.

“In race two we got off to a great start again and lead the early laps, but as the conditions once again became tricky, we made the decision to hold a more cautious pace in order to finish in the points and secure the overall championships.

“This strategy proved successful with us crossing the line in third place, enough to secure the Supercat Extreme and overall AUS1 Overall Championships.

Maritimo 11 was not as fortunate and missed the start in race one after the boat tripped on a wave and sustained damage to its tunnel flap

In race two Maritimo 11 performed well, despite the rough and windy conditions and being the smallest boat in the class, recording a very respectable fourth place and gathering much valuable testing data to take into the off-season development program for 2018.

“The team are extremely excited to have recorded a collective 15th AUS1 Title. Our goal all season was to do just that, and the entire team did a fantastic job in working towards that goal,” said Barry-Cotter.

The post Notching Up Its 15th National Title appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

“The market is beginning to see the extensive benefits of weight saving and increased performance, with the added bonus of cost savings on fuel and the initial purchase of a smaller engine,” Richard Macalister, director of Southern Pacific Inflatables (SPI) explains.

With an influx of poorly built boats, mostly out of Asia, Richard, together with Dean Barker, both being international yachtsmen, had a vision to bring back locally crafted boats for Australasian waters that are built to last.

SPI integrates the best quality materials to ensure that their boats withstand the harsh marine conditions prevalent in this part of the world. Richard says, “Sourcing the highest quality fabric is paramount for producing inflatables for the Southern Hemisphere. We use the highest quality Valmex PVC and Orca Hyperlon from Europe to ensure that they can withstand the harsh UV levels we experience.”

The tubes are digitally plotted and machine-cut for perfect symmetry and shape, then thermally welded for a super strong bond. Fixing to aluminium means it is not only lighter than other options, but far more robust. The engineered V-structure of the hull provides maximum comfort in rough sea conditions, giving a very smooth ride. The tube design means spray is minimised. These boats are also very stable at rest.

Being lightweight makes SPI Inflatables the attractive choice for easy launch and recovery, as well as the added bonus of having high engine power-to-weight ratio. The Cormorant 550, for example, weighs 675kg when fully equipped, over 100kg lighter than some other options the same size.

The buoyancy levels of inflatables have proven a safety advantage over traditional boats. Moreover, you can carry more gear and more people with a smaller boat. From 2-metre tenders to 6-metre chase boats, SPI’s experience and skill enable them to cater to the different customer needs – from rescue craft to super yacht tenders.

From the 14-metre Hypalon tubes for the Coast Guard to the 2-metre soft-bottom dinghies, simple interior design means there are many different seating and console fit-out options from which customers can choose. SPI also has extensive accessory options including: esky seats, anchor lockers, ski archers, Railblaza cleats, or additional seats. Fixed and removable wheel options make the ride up the beach a lot easier.

The benefits of SPI RIBs make an attractive option for diving, fishing, skiing, or simply cruising. SPI can also create your very own reliable, word-class and uncomplicated craft, tailored to your needs.

SPI has been producing durable, seaworthy inflatables for almost 30 years, so you have peace of mind with a product manufactured in a world-class facility just outside Auckland by a quality and reputable company.

There are plenty of reasons why SPI Inflatables are the best option for Australasian conditions. So with summer here, see these reasons for yourself, and come view the range of quality durable inflatables at MeTender Boats at 8 Waterway Drive, Coomera, Queensland.

The post Best for Australasian Waters appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Outboard engine benefits

An outboard engine is a portable complete package of engine, gear case and propeller. For general purpose boating, the outboard engine offers easy handling and economic fuel consumption and ongoing maintenance. When in operation, the special designed skeg and directional thrust of an outboard enables easy maneuvering with lower power. When not in use, the engine can be completely tilted out of the water, avoiding any growth of marine organisms, barnacles and algae.

The outboard is mounted high up on the hull and is easy to access for service requirements. The engine casing creates a fully integrated seal and shields the powerhead that houses the electronic and mechanical parts. Outboard engines are generally very reliable, making them popular with family pleasure boating, fishers and other light commercial inshore usage. Once the boat is parked on a trailer, the entire engine system is within easy reach for maintenance.

Inboard Engines vs Sterndrives

Mounted amidship, the inboard engine drives a propeller shaft that is fixed to the bottom of the hull and is steered by a rudder, whereas an inboard/outboard (also known as a stern drive) is mounted in the stern of the boat that drives a directional outdrive (or drive leg) that is mounted thru the rear of the hull (transom).

An inboard engine provides greater stability for your boat, which is well suited for large commercial vessels, offshore work, and for some types of waterskiing. It is popular with commercial boats as it has a lower centre of gravity creating stability. The midmounted inboard is used for heavier vessels requiring more horsepower, as the size and weight of the engine would not be appropriate for a stern mounting. A boat with an inboard engine will be more difficult to load onto a trailer.

If you plan to use the boat for slalom skiing, then the inboard engine’s propeller with a separate rudder is popular as it produces little or no wake. The midship engine is not an ideal position for a pleasure craft, whereas inboard/outboards engines can be neatly mounted under the rear bench or swim platform.

An inboard/outboard with its shallow draft will be easier to maneuver in shallow waters such as those around the Gold Coast Broadwater and estuaries. The drawback is that inboard/outboards do not steer effectively unless thrust is applied; as a result, docking is more challenging.

Inboard engines are located in the bilge of the boat and sometimes have restricted to access through a hatch in the floor. This area is vulnerable to moisture and water damage. Similarly, the stern-mounted inboard/outboard is located in the bilge under the rear lounge or deck, which may have restricted access. However, some models have sealed engine rooms with space to store tools and equipment.

For a sleek design and sophistication, inboard/outboard engines are a popular choice. When towing with an inboard/outboard, the weight of the engine in the stern will create a wake, which is ideal for wakeboarding. Recreational boat owners may prefer the inboard/outboard engine tucked away which allows for free access of the rear lounge, full-width swim platforms, storage and outdoor showers. The inboard/outboard also allows space under the deck for a cabin with accommodation and amenities popular with cruiser boat builders.

By Andy Kancachian

Disclaimer

Information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice. While all reasonable care has been taken in providing accurate information, it is strongly suggested you consult a professional about the various types of engines before purchasing.

The post Outboard v Sterndrive appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

The EVO 660 is constructed in fibreglass, and is a relatively lightweight powerboat that will rise onto the plane at very low speed. The well thought out design responds to the demand in the recreational powerboat market with a boat that is seaworthy while keeping fuel consumption to a minimum. The boat is covered by the manufacturer five-year structural warranty.

The hull features include efficient low drag hull form, providing outstanding soft ride quality with no slamming. The EVO 660 features topside flare to reduce spray and has a self-draining deck. Strategically placed strakes provide lift, reduce surface friction, and provide dynamic stability.

The EVO 660 has three design options: open, fixed top, or the unique electric targa top. The optional electric targa top is adjustable from the helm at the press of a button. In a matter of seconds, you can set at any height that suits, or set flush with the top of the windshield. Completely lowered, the electric targa top encloses the helm for easy storage and reduces the wind drag during towing.

The central console cockpit arrangement provides comfort and shelter, allowing full use of the boat and total visibility without closing in the space. The design allows for easy reach of the throttle in a comfortable seated or standing drivers position. A wide dash features flush-mounted engine instruments, a glove box, a VHF radio, and plenty of space for your navigation and fish finders. The upholstered helm seat accommodates two adults, and has generous storage under the seat and below the console. All models are fitted with an electric anchor winch.

The bow has a large aft-facing passenger bench seat over the anchor locker and a handrail running along a good length of the boat.

The open transom will suit game fishermen making it easy to haul in large fish into the cockpit. The boat design is not just about fishing; it easily operates as the family water sports boat. A large storage locker is easy to access, and the floor can be covered in non-skid cork or a covering of your choice.

With a LOA of 6.6 metres, a beam of 2 metres and displacement of 1150 kilograms, the EVO 660 can be powered by a 100-150HP outboard. When running a 16” propeller the boat will travel at a maximum speed of 32 knots.

A very adaptable boat, starting from $64,500, the EVO 660 is an attractive and unique all-round vessel.

The post EVO 660: Advance Hull & Electric Targa appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Wyld About Boats are enjoying sales success of Stejcraft Boats with a recent delivery of an SS58 bowrider. Stejcraft is renowned for its superb finish on each of its models with the new SS58 taking this mantra to an exciting new level.

The Stejcraft team believe family boats should be aesthetically pleasing as the latest motor vehicles – especially with the common features: seating, the dash arrangement, and controls. The new Stejcraft SS58 proves this can be achieved. The boat shows it is entirely possible to build extremely practical, hard-wearing, long-life and easily cleaned finish that not only look fabulous, but also extremely comfortable and VERY stylish.

Here is a true inshore and offshore bowrider that will deliver a relaxing day out on the water or an adrenaline-pumping water sports experience. The SS58 is at home, cutting through the rivers and inshore bays. Also with years of design innovation and craftsmanship, it has an offshore hull that will provide superb responsive handling when enjoying open water activities like whale watching.

This SS58 is fitted with the popular optional Ocean Deck floor covering, which is destined to become a standard feature of the SS series in the future. The floors are soft under bare feet, ‘grippy’ even when wet, while sand or mud washes straight off it. No wonder boating families love it!

You will instantly appreciate the layout, the fittings and the responsive hull design when you test drive the SS58 bowrider.

—–

Stejcraft Monaco 610

It is widely agreed the Stejcraft 610 Monaco is one of the best-looking six-metre family cruisers on the water, with a level of performance, ride and stability few others can match. Not only is the Monaco’s performance better for a given horsepower, the construction design is ahead of the competition, being completely wood-free and built with the latest 2018 high-tech laminates and composites. For many families, this compact cruiser has a wonderfully smooth and dry ride, amazing stability underfoot, and a lovely deep cockpit.

The Stejcraft Monaco 610 Cruiser is fully adaptable in all environments, including choppy open seas. It will give you confidence to head out into the open water for those memorable cruising and reef fishing trips. It comes with premium vinyls, high quality snap-in carpet, deep-reach swim ladder, and stainless steel cleats. Stejcraft’s cutting edge fibreglass boat manufacturing technology will give you many years of safe boating pleasure.

/Jan2018

The post Stejcraft: Contemporary Craft appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

When I was asked if I wanted to head to Cabarita’s Round Mountain Raceway for a ride in a jet sprint boat at the 2017 V8 Superboat finals, I thought it sounded like a good laugh. It was not until I started hearing the safety briefing on the day that the real fear set in.

It turns out that by strapping 1400hp jet engines to 13-foot tinnies, these boats can accelerate ludicrously fast, going from 0 to 130kmph in just two seconds! Surprisingly, their cornering is even more impressive, as they pull 3-4gs, just like fighter jets.

My nerves were still twitching as I watched these super boats tear around the tiny islands of the course, lashing us with spray from 50 metres away. But it was when I saw one of the boats flip over that I started to have serious second thoughts about going through with this.

Luckily, before I had much of a chance to think about it, I was being strapped into a racing harness. The crew gave me last-minute tips. “If the boat flips upside down, whatever you do, don’t release your seatbelt, because you’ll fall straight out and break your neck. And if you’re upside down and underwater, check if the driver is conscious before you release your belt and try to swim out.” With that cheery thought, we headed to the water. At this point, it is fair to say I was in a state of panic.

Moments later, the starting horn sounded and the acceleration was slamming me back against my seat. As we whipped around corners at a pace I could barely comprehend, my respect for my driver, Ben Hathaway, grew with each turn he expertly took. Controlling the boat around a corner at this speed would still be impressive if you had hundreds of metres to prepare, but somehow, Ben was doing it with barely a second between the end of one corner and the start of the next. I had foolishly thought Ben would take it easy on me, but he did our circuit in 51 seconds, a single second off the weekend’s fastest time!

Thankfully, I was in good hands with Ben. Not only did we both walk away intact, but he and his boat, Weapon, went on to win the Group A championship. The competition was fierce on the weekend, with Ben edging a mere four-hundredths of a second ahead of his rival to take the win.

Jet sprint racing is easiest to think of as a much faster version of rally driving. At each event, drivers have to memorise the course essentially from scratch, because the direction of the race and the order that they tackle the corners in are given to them on a map with a series of checkpoints. The drivers also have a navigator who can direct them. However, the insane speed means that in reality the drivers have to do it all themselves.

One of the drivers nipping at Ben’s heels at the finals was Paul Kelly, a marine electrician from Brisbane. After a brutal crash that put an end to Paul’s jet ski racing career, his dad shouted him a joyride in a jet boat. He said they could not wipe the smile off his face for weeks. Although Paul has only been in the sport for a few years, he managed to nab the Rookie of the Year award during his very first season. For 2017, he came third at the finals, and fifth overall in the Group A championship.

A lot of the attention at the October finals was focused on the nail-biting Group A finals. However, the Unlimited Superboat class was a real crowd-pleaser too. The lack of restrictions means there are many twin turbos and supercharged motors packing up to 1400hp into these tiny boats. Five-time national champion, Phonsy Mullan, won the title. He was so formidable he had already won the championship on points before he even got to the finals in Cabarita.

Although the competition on the racetrack was brutal, there is a surprisingly friendly and helpful camaraderie among the drivers. Earlier in this season, when Ben’s engine blew up, his fellow competitors were kind enough to let him use their boats to compete in a handful of races while his boat was being repaired. Paul also mentioned how welcoming and friendly everyone was when he first started and did not know anyone in the sport.

If you have an appreciation for speed and skillful driving, try and head along to one of the jet sprint events. The Cabarita track is hosting the world championships in 2018, so it’s a great time to check out this growing sport. And hey, if you’ve got stronger nerves than me, you might want to get behind the wheel yourself. The smaller class jet boats start at a very affordable $15k.

The Tweed Valley Jet Sprint Club hosts two Australian V8 Superboat rounds

By Narayan Pattison

More information at http://www.afjsa.com/

The post Superboats appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Freddy Williams started the annual event 10 years ago, with a small gathering of just five boats, based around his desire to catch up with his old racing buddies. Freddy, now 86, is the first Aussie to make water skis, and has been a major fixture of the Aussie racing scene ever since. In recent years, fellow boating enthusiast Rhonda Wojcikewycz took over the event’s organisation for Freddy. Rhonda used her extensive connections with both boaties and the local council, to create the Mid North Coast Speedboat Club, which is focused entirely around supercharging Freddy’s event and its attendees. And by all accounts, the 2017 gathering was a roaring success.

At the gala night, five ski racers were recognised for their significant contribution to the sport. Rhonda said, “We set up a hall of fame for ski racing athletes and officials because they’re not getting the recognition they deserve. We chose five people for this first one, but we’ll be opening it up to nominations next year.” The hall of fame athletes and officials were Ken Warby, Fred Williams, Bert Everingham (whose business Everingham Boats built many of top ski boats on the Hawkesbury), Pete Smith (a hugely successful boat racer who took over Everingham Boats), and Graham Barclay.

Gold Coasters share their experience

One of the event’s happy attendees was Tom Wyld, whom most Gold Coast boaties will know well from his business, Wyld About Boats. What you may not know is that Tom is also one of the founding fathers of Aussie water skiing. In the 1960s, he was the first Victorian to ski the bridge-to-bridge race on the Hawkesbury River. He then played a large role in shaping the sport through his work as the president of the Victorian Barefoot Water Skiing Club, as well as the Victorian Ski Racing Association, which he created. Tom also founded the Southern 80 ski race on The Murray that went on to become one of the biggest annual races around the world.

Tom fondly remembers when he first heard about the Fred Williams event. “I saw the list and there was so much history there. Some of the guys had been around since before me. It was unbelievable! I thought, ‘Geez, I’ve got to go to this!’”

Ken Warby’s Spirit of Australia II was certainly one of the event’s biggest crowd pleasers, and it is easy to see why. Bolted on his boat is a jet engine from a plane that blows huge flames out the back. Getting to see ‘the fastest man alive on water’ was a particular highlight for Tom. “Ken firing up his jet boat was brilliant. The noise and power of that thing was unbelievable.” After holding the world speed record for 40 years at an incredible 511kph, Ken and his son David will be attempting to break the record again later this year.

Gold Coast local and barefoot skiing world champ Grant Torrens was one of the many who enjoyed the gala night. “I was stoked to see Graham Barclay get into the hall of fame. He was my coach back in the day. He taught me how to walk on water.” Graham was clearly a great coach because Grant had an incredible career on the water, scooping up pretty much every barefoot skiing record around the world. At age 12, he was setting barefoot records in the junior endurance and speed divisions, being the first junior to get over 80mph. Before long, he was travelling to the USA and winning a string of world barefoot records in both LA and San Francisco, with speeds up to 150mph.

Grant also likes to get behind the wheel and has been very successful, scoring records in Aussie drag boat racing as well. Grant has been taking his drag boat Torrens Title down to the Forster event for the last seven years. The boat’s hefty 540in² “blown-injected alcohol Chev” makes it a regular crowd pleaser when Grant demos it. Grant’s other boating love is his classic Hammond, the Rolls Royce of ski boats, which he takes out regularly from his waterfront mansion on Sovereign Island.

Another Gold Coast local Vicki Smith is a regular attendee of the reunions is. Vicki and her husband, Pete Smith, ran Everingham Boats for 20 years, with many of their boats winning numerous races. “Pete was one of the first people to put a blown alcohol engine in a displacement hull. I remember it needed so much testing to figure out the best way to handle that much horsepower,” Vicki explained.

Getting to catch up with so many of her old friends was a highlight for Vicki. “Our whole life was racing back then. And after so many years, it was just brilliant to get all the oldies together who competed back in the day. I think this event helps bring a lot of generations together, too. I saw plenty of boat drivers who were just kids back in the day, and there were also lots of youngsters today who are getting a chance to see the old legends they’ve watched in the videos.”

Looking forward

After this year’s resounding success, Rhonda is already hard at work planning the 2018 reunion event. “Force boats will be a bigger part of it. I’ve already got five more confirmed for next year. And the council have given us approval to let the popular ski boat Burnin do ski race demos next time. And hopefully Ken Warby will be back, and he’ll have broken his speed record.”

Visit the Mid North Coast Speedboat Club Facebook page to keep an eye on next year’s event.

By Narayan Pattison

Water Skiing Hall of Fame inductees: Fred Williams, Ken Warby, Pete Smith, Graham Barclay and Bert Everingham

Speed record holder Ken Warby’s new boat Spirit of Australia II was the biggest crowd favourite

Popular ski boat Burnin will be doing ski demos at the 2018 event

/Sep-Dec2017

The post The Golden Era of Water Skiing: A Revival appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Parker 660 Pilothouse comes with:

Locker for fishing rods

Sliding hatch in side windows

Aft seats

Fresh water system with 40 l tank

Bilge pump

Windscreen wiper

Cabin LED lights

Cabin ventilation

Bathing ladder

Anchor roller

Work lights aft deck

Salt water flushing deck

Rod holders on sides (4 sockets)

3 Upholstery colours to choose from

Honda 115 HP – 1 Steering position

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:

Underwater Lights

Antifouling

Outside steering position

Side benches aft deck (incl. Cushions)

Heater WEBASTO 2 Kw with stainless steel tank 11L

Trim tabs

Fish box

Additional seat in Cockpit

Round table in cockpit

Rod holders on roof

Keel protection

Bow-thruster

Additional fender on hull sides

Anchor winch with remote control

Bimini over cockpit

Manual sea toilet

Cooker

Fridge

Sliding roof hatch

Outside steering position

Fishing net roller

Equipment for the outside steering position

Second Battery

Petrol tank 190L Stailess steel

Petrol tank 230L

Fresh water deck shower

Front screen sprinklers

Shore power

Lowrance 3G/4G Radar

Outboard Pilot Hydraulic Pack

Drive Pilot Hydraulic Pack

STRUCTURE-SCAN 3D XDCR and Module

Trailer

We can supply Lowrance/Simrad/Garmin

Lowrance 7 Pack:

– Lowrance HDS-7 Touch 50/200khz chartplotter/fishfinder

– Fusion MS-RA205 True-Marine™ Stereo + 2 speakers

– Lowrance Link 5 – VHF radio + antenna

OR

Lowrance 12 Pack:

– Lowrance HDS 12 Plotter GPS/Sounder

– Lowrance SonicHub (connection multimedia mp3, ipod etc) + 4 speakers

– Lowrance Link 5 – VHF radio + antenna”

– Lowrance radar 3G

ENGINE OPTIONS

Honda 115 HP

Honda 135 HP

Honda 150 HP

Nautilus Australia are the exclusive importer for A.H. Parker & Sons (Gt. Britain) Ltd in Australia,New Zealand and Oceania. nautilusaustralia.com.au

/Sep-Dec2017

The post Comfort and Speed: Parker 660 appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Internally this one has had a custom open plan design  fitted which is ideal for socializing with plenty of lounge space for everyone. The gourmets galley is equipped with Corian benchtop and everything you will need for catering onboard. Plenty of storage is provided with the saloon finished in rich Cherrywood timberwork which complements the neutral tomes throughout the soft furnishings package.

The captains helm is well equipped with state of the art navigation package for long trips of day boating with the benefit of the joystick docking which enables both novice and expert alike to dock the boat with ease. Step aboard this one f custom design at Runaway Bay Marina today!

Price $449,000

—————

The multi-award winning Mustang 3800 sport cruiser launched an entirely new concept in Gold Coast boat building with its 12’6” wide beam and functional layout which offered generous internal entertaining space coupled with excellent rough water handling from its deep vee hull design which boast a dry and comfortable ride in local conditions making it perfect for day boating, whale watching, island hopping or just lazing about doing nothing!

This one is offered in the sport top configuration which offers an electric sunroof coupled with a hardtop to keep you out of the elements with the added benefit of a second air-conditioner devoted to the cockpit area which is also reverse-cycle so can be used year round. The cockpit offers plenty of seating with a capacity to take 15 persons onboard makes for a great day with friends and family alike.

Power is provided by twin 320hp Volvo Penta duo-prop sterndrives which have only travelled a mere 400+ hours and have been regularly serviced by a local service provider. With plenty of get up and go within easy reach this sporty cruiser can travel up to 33 knots wide open throttle or can cruise effortlessly at 20 knots with an economical fuel burn.

This is just one of the great cruisers on offer at the pre-owned Mustang specialists Gold Coast Boat Sales

Price $179,900-

The post Boats @ Runaway Bay appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

AB Inflatables is the manufacturer trusted by thousands throughout the world and is America’s number one selling RIB brand. With proven safety and stability, stylish design and luxurious features, AB’s popularity is attributed to so many key points it is difficult to narrow it down to one key element.

The design of the AB hull, with its deep “V” and curves, provides the ideal sea boat, for a smooth, dry comfortable ride. The wide square design of the deck, bow and transom provides the biggest deck area with loads of storage. These features make it an ideal tender or platform for fishing, diving, and make a great family day boat. It adapts to all scenarios. Every AB model has a unique forward hull design that creates a raised bow and enhances performance by enabling easier planing with less horsepower. The boat cuts through wakes and choppy water, virtually eliminating spray, resulting in a smoother, more stable, and drier ride than any other inflatable boat on the market.

Boasting over 75 leisure models and 30 commercial models, built with Latin design influences and using the best materials available in Europe and USA, the factory complies with strict ISO 9001 standards and is the envy of its competitors. Critics argue no manufacturer can compete with the degree of development and testing that AB undertakes in producing outstanding RIBs.

AB has a commitment to build to the highest international standards, and in its build, surpasses CE regulations as well as being compliant with ISO 6185, ABYC , US Coast Guard, NMMA (USA), Bureau Veritas. AB Inflatables commitment to deliver the best products for customers extends to submitting all manufacturing processes to rigorous evaluations by third-party auditors, which ultimately guarantees the highest quality standards.

The peace of mind AB offers also ensures each and every boat is delivered with a unique history report, which also keeps a sample of fabrics/components, information on which manufacturing team made it and what specific materials were used. This information is very useful to improve or modify production procedures. This quality-control system is just one way in which AB inflatables fulfil its promise to continuous learning throughout 40+ years in business.

AB handcrafts each boat to ensure even the smallest details are handled with care, and the end result is a full line of inflatable boats designed and built to please with the exceptional quality expected from an AB Inflatable boat.

All aluminium inflatable boats are built using a cutting-edge, powder-coating pre-treatment process that is chrome-free. This eco-friendly technology maximizes corrosion protection and ensures superior coating adherence to the aluminium hull.

Product safety is also of the utmost importance and AB partners with the marine industry’s most trusted and respected suppliers, ensuring the highest-quality components go into every AB Inflatable boat. The AB quality control manufacturing team also inspects and leak-tests each and every one of tube and baffles for quality. Each tube is individually tested for two weeks.

To learn more about an inflatable boat, or inspect the range of inflatable boats from AB Inflatables, Aurora Inflatables, or Mercury Inflatables, talk to Mike or Diana Orsmond and the team of friendly and helpful professionals at RIB Force Inflatable Boats. RIB Force is also the Gold Coast’s number One Mercury Dealer and is located in the Marine Precinct at Shop 7, Gold Coast City Marina 58-74 Waterway Drive, Coomera, City of Gold Coast, Queensland.

Phone 07 5573 7265

www.RibForceInflatables.com.au

Editorial by Andy Kancachian

/Sep-Dec2017

The post Why is An AB RIB Better? appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.