To be seen on the floating pontoon at Seawork 2006, the Fluggaboat varies the basic RIB concept by matching a sturdy aluminium hull to a buoyant UV-resistant plastic pipe, which replaces the RIB collar component to give a highly durable and low maintenance boat.

The craft for Sullom Voe features a welded aluminium hull with 6mm bottom plating and hull to deck framing. The HDPE collar has five compartments on either side, with buoyancy cells in the hull and tubes. There is an aluminium 'A' frame, tow post and guard rails plus a four point, four ton lift sling. The boat is powered by twin Evinrude E-Tec 75hp outboards fed by fuel tanks which can be jettisoned as per MCA guidelines. A full integrated waterproof electronic navigation and communications package includes a depth sounder. It is fully certified as a category 4 workboat with a one ton payload and is furnished with a galvanised roller coaster twin axle trailer with stainless steel brake cables, flushing ports and sealed bearings.

With its own two speed winch, the trailer is so user friendly that one man recovery is possible.

The HDPE collar is tough and resilient. It may scratch but it will not puncture or deflate and is not subject to annual pressure tests. All walk-on surfaces, including the collar are non-slip and the deck is treadplate. The hull is antifouled , allowing the vessel to be kept at its own berth in a state of constant readiness. The aluminium above water is specially coated to help withstand corrosion.

Prior to the order Unst had loaned its demonstrator to BP for a two month period. The crews loved it and were especially happy with the Fluggaboat's stability, safety and ability to land crews on rocky shores without damage.

During sea trials earlier this year, the Fluggaboat achieved a 34 knot top speed and a 29 knot cruising speed. Fluid link hydraulic steering allows operation with one engine tilted without affecting the steering. This enables beaching on one engine while protecting the other.

Unst is currently designing a new hull to extend the model range above 8m. The prototype will be ready late this year or early in 2007. Powered by a single marine diesel driving a waterjet, it will have a cruising speed of 30 knots in this version and even more with a twin engine installation.

MJ Information No: 21623