Size 12.6 metres, (42 feet) Pilot Transfer
Location: Port Nelson, New Zealand
Although the RIB concept seems contrary to the traditional type of Pilot craft, RIB’s are fast, nimble and light, this means that it is easier to run parallel to the ship at the same speed and lightly touch the side while the Pilot makes his transfer. The soft sides of the RIB are very forgiving as the ship and Pilot Boat heave and move differently in the seaway, Naiad take special care in their designs to allow the Pilot Boat to part quickly and easily from the ship’s side.
Port Nelson Limited, having satisfied themselves of Naiad’s ability took the step and moved into this reasonably new concept in October 2005. They chose twin 4 stroke outboards following the success of Naiad’s 9.5 metre Pilot Boats in Hawaii. The hull design has proven to provide excellent control at all speeds. There is no pre-planing hump so full control is available even at those awkward speeds of around 10 – 15 knots where the hull resistance is high and so is the prop slip.
For a Pilot Boat blade area is all important for grip at these boarding speeds. Prop diameters of 14 1/2" on twin outboards is just not enough on a 12.6 metre boat so the choice was made to use twin Suzuki 250hp outboards that have a gear reduction that allows a 16" prop to be used. The new technology of the super efficient outboards along with Naiad’s newly developed stepped hull, custom designed wheel house and tapered stern is a nice option at a relatively low capital cost.
The result is excellent. On launching day the Naiad reached 40 knots in sea trials and was able to cruise at much higher speeds than designed. Since launching the RIB is reaching top speeds of 43 knots. The boat is very quiet, with no rumble through the alloy hull. Although lively and nimble there is no crew fatigue.
The big Suzuki’s are proving to be powerful and efficient. With over 260 hrs logged the overall fuel economy is impressive at an overall average of 37 litres/hour for both engines and at only 72 litres/hour at cruising speed. This is using less fuel per trip then the old diesel Pilot Boat and saves a lot of time. The efficiency indicates that quite a lot of time is spent at low speed, or inversely not a lot of time at high speed as the new Pilot Boat is so fast and responds quickly to the big 16" props.
The Nelson Pilots have rapidly become used to their new RIB and are delighted with the results as they can now offer a competitive and highly efficient Pilotage service.
