The Naiad Difference
Naiad has been the world specialist in the design and construction of rigid
hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) since 1975. When Naiad first entered the
market, existing companies were simply putting a hard hull on an inflatable
vessel, with a focus on fender design and textile technology. We decided
on a different approach.
Naiad focused on creating high performance hulls, rapidly building respect
and a strong reputation for hull design and strength. In addition we realised
that existing vessels had non-detachable fenders. We decided to make the
fenders relatively cost-effective and easy to replace, like the tyres of
a car, creating a dramatic improvement in value to our customers. Our buoyant
fenders are fitted to the hull as non-structural components, easily removed
for repair or replacement.
This entirely new concept was tested and refined in our first one hundred
boats over a period of five years. The system proved to be excellent, and
we have continued to improve our designs over a further two decades. In 1996,
Naiad developed a removable foam fender system as an alternative to airfilled
buoyant fenders, utilising a urethane and foam construction suitable for
extreme commercial use. In 2002, Naiad enhanced their airfilled buoyant fenders
to incorporate a layer of closed cell foam for heavy commercial applications.
Not only was Naiad the first in the world to fix removable fenders to the
hull, but the company was also the first to design cabin structures for
inflatable vessels to provide protection from the elements.
 Ranging
in size from 2.5 metres to 24 metres and powered by outboards, diesel jets
and stern drives. Naiad vessels are now used by governments around the world
for customs surveillance, fisheries protection, Police and Coastguard duties,
and are used as commercial and pleasure vessels for fishing, diving, surveying,
pilotage, tourism and as tenders for yachts.
The soft ride and predictable handling of Naiads makes them easy to drive
in rough conditions, while maintaining excellent speed. Many Naiad vessels
are used for various tourism ventures off the coast of New Zealand. Each
boat can carry up to one tonne of people at a speed of 45 knots, and over
the course of a year will clock up four thousand hours running time, travel
thirty thousand nautical miles and carrying excess of 5,000 passengers!
Nadi International Airport (Fiji) selected Naiad Rescue Vessels for their
ability to launch quickly off the shore. The New Zealand Coastguard were
impressed by the safety and predictability of Naiad vessels, which are uniquely
capable of handling the extremely rough conditions of coastal New Zealand.
More than 75% of Coastguard units now use Naiad as their principal vessel
for search and rescue operations. Major units typically use 6.8 to 12.6 metre
models, but many others use smaller vessels that are still capable of handling
rough conditions.
Naiad is now considered the world's leading designer of custom designed and
RHIBs for commercial use.
24 Millennium Place, Tingalpa,
4173, Queensland, Australia
Phone: 61 7 3393 5995; Fax: 61 7 3393 5994; Mobile Service: 0438 339
551
Email:
sales@woodymarine.com.au
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