Fluggaboats close in on new markets
Fluggaboat collar development took six years but has resulted in a very tough and low maintenance boat.
Unst Inshore Services in the Shetlands has launched the latest in its range of rugged Fluggaboats, a cabin type RIB which retains good visibility and full headroom.
Fluggaboats may look like other RIBs but feature an aluminium hull and compartmentalised HDPE plastic collar which can be walked upon and, because it is not under pressure, does not require an annual pressure test. Strength and durability are primary design conditions and the vessels have an expected service life of 20 years, with minimal down time.
The new boat meets the requirements of MCA Category 3, under 24 hour operation. There are four full suspension seats and 2m of headroom in the cabin. There is excellent visibility forward, with the single screen cleared by a Hepworth wiper, and also down the sides. Windows and door are by Houdini.
The boat features a FLIR M series infrared camera system for added safety, displayed on a Garmin 5012 colour touch screen GPS. It is also fitted with an AIS and Icom radios.
Power is supplied by a Steyr MO306 engine driving a Hamilton 274 waterjet coupled to a Python CV shaft through a ZF63 electric switched gearbox. Unst finds this combination gives a very good power to weight ratio. 200 litres of fuel gives about five hours of running at speeds approaching 40 knots and more at cruising speeds.
With the builder’s intention to keep maintenance to a minimum, materials choice is crucial, hence the use of HDPE, aluminium and 316 stainless steel. One of the areas we have pondered over is antifouling. As this is primarily a demonstration boat, Unst has also elected to experiment with antifouling solutions and is trialling an ultrasonic system to stop growths on the the drive area is also experimenting with Nanotech to stop slime.
One of the projected target markets for this type of vessel is police and security work. Unst has already had interest from two police forces and a shipping company and is pleased that Dorset police are going to use this boat as part of their security operation next year. There is also some interest from abroad.
The specification on the boat is very high. The hull plating is 6mm, which may seem extreme for a 7.5m boat but Unst has had the experience of one of its 7m boats hitting a rock doing 35 knots. It ripped the bottom off one of the outboard engines but only made a small dent on the hull.
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