Demanding criteria had to be met. LHB needed a durable workboat which could go alongside Littlehampton's many piers and jetties without damage. As the boat would often be retrieving disabled craft from the Channel, it had to be able to tow from alongside or astern. There is a bar at the entrance to the harbour and much low water up the River Arun so shallow draft was required, as was low air draft to negotiate bridges over the river. The boat would be going aground so bilge keels were specified. Deck areas were needed fore and aft to accommodate pallets of welding gear, pollution response kit or other large items. The craft also needed to be trailerable, as it would be hired to other parties to help pay for itself. Finally, an open cockpit was specified to enhance its patrol boat dimension, but with a frame and cover for heavy weather.

LHB had looked at RIBs, GRP catamarans, and even landing craft such as ABC's Seawork boat but had not found what they were looking for.

But LHB was impressed by the robustness of the ABC boat, its build quality, favourable pricing and, not least, the builders themselves and the proximity of their Hayling Island yard to Littlehampton. Discussions began for an alternative design in aluminium and ABC were quick to come up with plans for a 7.3m semi-displacement monohull utilising a conventional deep 'V' hull form with the required bilge keels. The craft has a beam of 2.75m and a draft of only 0.9m.

Agreement was reached in February of this year and the build began. ABC provided detailed photos at every stage of the build and LHB visited regularly to monitor progress and consult on detail.

The completed craft was recently delivered. Built from hefty 5mm marine grade aluminium, with a sealed hull filled with foam and comprehensive 'D' fendering along its high sides, the distinctly utilitarian craft would appear to be virtually indestructible and is already known affectionately in Littlehampton as 'Tonka Toy'. There is a permanently mounted aft deck 'H' frame for towing and LHB is even considering the addition of a cork fender at the bow for pushing.

Powered by a 2.1 litre, 54 hp naturally aspirated  Yanmar 4JH4 marine diesel, Tonka Toy has surprised everyone by exceeding its design speed to reach 13 knots. Neighbouring harbour authorities and marine construction firms are already showing interest in hiring the craft and Littlehampton Harbour Board are pleased with their new craft.

Harbour Master Colin Hitchcock said, 'We're so happy with the boat that we told ABC if they have any interested parties, ring us and will take them out in it.'