Naiad's - Hawaii Pilots Boat

Hawaiian Pilots choose Naiad by Keith Ingram

On searching the net we were encouraged by finding Naiad the extensive range of custom-designed Naiad rigid inflatable boats, (RIBs) that had been built and used in various parts of the world," says Tom Herberle of Hawaii Pilots.

The pilot service in Hawaii is owned and run by the  pilots themselves contracting as a group. This group pilots well over 2500 shipping movements per year, and operates in all the shipping ports in Hawaii. They provide their own crafts, staff and launch masters.

Herberle contacted Steve Schmidt of Naiad, talked about their specific needs and their experience of piloting out of Hawaii. Naiad gave him the references of several boats in use, and then forwarded the enquiry to Bay Marine in Tauranga, who were at this time building and marketing for Naiad design. This initial enquiry was for an 8.5 meter open-cabin vessel. The final plans were approved after talking with the client to determine their needs and specifications as they worked through the various options, and the contract for the eventual 12.6 meter design was duly signed some two months later.

The vessel to be built was very similar in design to the Whangarei pilot vessel. It was based on a Naiad 12.6m hull and decks, which was a significant difference from the 8.5m starting option. The construction of the hull and decks and cabin alloy work started in Tauranga last October, and was completed in July. The final fit-out, including engines, running gear, interior and painting, was all carried out by Tauranga sub-trades.

It took 3.5 weeks from the time the vessel entered the finishing bay from the fabrication contractor to the launching, including eight days required for painting. With a shipping deadline to meet, various contractors involved proved they could work around each other as well as over the top with good humour in an endeavour to finish the vessel to a high quality for the Hawaiian clients.

We understand that since the pilot boat was launched she has only had to be touched once. Everything fitted and functioned correctly, and she has performed to her expected specifications. The Hawaii Pilots is powered by twin 300hp Caterpillars driving through shafts and propellers supplied by Henleys Propellers.  She has 1.5in alloy handrails and is fitted with four seats. The engine hatch is amidships and there is an access hatch aft.

She has through-hull struts for fewer underwater appendages, and transom-hung rudders. These are easy to install, improve the steering characteristics, and create extra room below, leading to a larger propeller or a reduced shaft angle.

Henleys Propellers predicted that the RIB would reach 29 knots, and the boat clocked the exact speed on launching and pulled full revs, so no tweaking was required on the tiger propellers. The ride was found to be excellent and better than expected, and the overall handling was also declared excellent.

The day after the launching she was driven up the coast from Tauranga to Auckland in just over five hours at an average speed of around 23 knots to meet shipping deadline to get her to her home port of Honolulu. Wind and sea conditions during the delivery were 20 to 25knots and a 1.5m chop, which proved to be a good test.

Tom Herberle, who carried out the acceptance trials on the delivery voyage, told Skipper magazine that the vessel had met all their expectations. "The trip was comfortable and we made good time, even though we made a stop at Mercury Cove for a quick break and a coffee."

Skipper magazine have a good look over the vessel as she powered across the Waitemata Harbour just before being loaded onto the deck of the Columbus Waikato for Hawaii. She is a functional day boat. There is no toilet or galley, as the pilot service only has to travel some eight to ten miles to meet the ships, and less when they are departing. The engine room is central, positioning the weight where it is most needed. The wheelhouse is functional, with excellent all-round vision for the master. All the electronics and switches are close at hand. When under way the vessel was as soft-riding as claimed and very quiet in the wheelhouse.

This pilot boat is designed to be one-man operation, and as transferring pilots at sea always brings its inherent risk of dropping a man in the tide, she is fitted with a quick-release lifebouy on the stern which is activated by the helm station. A small external helm console out on the aft deck to starboard enables the master to manoeuvre the vessel when recovering an irate dunked pilot.

To aid in this recovery the rear guard rail is deigned to be folded out over the stern to act not noly as a large boarding ladder, but also to prevent the pilot from disappearing under the stern and becoming a statistic. A small handbasin with fresh water is provided by the door as you enter the cabin.

In Hawaii the vessel was unloaded over the side directly into the sea and transferred to her berth, where, after a thorough check-over and inspection by the local marine safety organisation, she immediately went into service.

Following some directional changes at Naiad during May, the existing contractual arrangement between Bay Marine Ltd and Naiad was dissolved. Bay Marine Ltd has been building and marketing Naiad vessels for two and a half years, and will be completing the remaining contracts in the pipeline. 

The two companies have now taken their own directions, with Bay Marine developing its  project management and boatbuilding facility through RIBNZ Ltd.

Down south, Quentin Boyes has joined Naiad as a new partner and Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for looking after the sales, marketing and operational aspects of the company. 

Meanwhile, the Hawaii Pilots have a new vessel which we understand is exceeding their expectations, reinforcing their decision to build down under.

© Henleys Propellers and Marine Ltd - 110 Sunnybrae Road, Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand

Phone: +64 9 443 5886 Fax: +64 9 443 5892