Renowned builder of fast aluminium RIBs and small patrol/rescue boats, Yamba Welding from the north coast of New South Wales has collaborated for many years with New Zealand's equally renowned Naiad Designs, which specialises in rigid inflatable boats.
This fine example of their work has been produced for a multiple repeat customer, the semi-government Marine Rescue NSW. The New South Wales government is a very tough customer so Yamba Welding and Naiad must be doing something right.
CB20 measures in at 6.1 metres waterline length, with a beam of 2.5 metres, draught of 0.53 metres and depth of 0.54 metres, for a displacement of 2.5 tonnes.
The owner is currently running a 9.5-metre vessel built in 2014, and required a second rescue vessel for close, in-shore work off Crowdy Head and Harrington with easy access to the bow. Duties comprise rescue operations and training volunteers onboard.
This vessel incorporates both a bow door and starboard aft door for easier recovery of victims. A portable aluminium fabricated ladder affixes to cleats around the vessel and is stored on the inside on the gunwale. An outboard protection bar with bull horns and single heavy-duty towing bollard were also installed.
CB20 is powered by a pair 115hp (85 kW) outboards, for a maximum speed of 35 knots, cruising speed of 25 knots, and range of 145 nautical miles.