Over the years, we’ve completed a wide range of projects for this customer, including a purpose-built training vessel several years ago. Our latest project involves replacing an ageing aluminium rescue boat used in their training harbour to transport crews to training vessels and carry out maintenance work.

The original boat initially came to us for repairs, but a closer inspection revealed that the aluminium hull had suffered severe corrosion. In many areas, the hull plating had deteriorated so extensively that only an added fibreglass skin was keeping the boat watertight. Rather than repair it, they commissioned us to build a completely new vessel with several design improvements, using Coosa board and epoxy construction for superior durability and longevity.

To keep their operations running during the build, we also installed temporary floorboards over the exposed hull of the existing boat to make it safe for continued use.

The new boat was first developed as a detailed CAD model before being approved for production. Once the design was finalised, all of the components were precision-cut on our CNC machine, creating an accurate kit that allowed for a fast and efficient assembly. In a short time, the hull shell came together, and we’re now at the stage where all of the internal structural components and decks have been completed.

The next step is to turn the hull over so we can laminate the underwater section and hull sides before moving into the final stages of the build. We’ll continue to share updates as the project progresses.