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RIB DIRECTORY

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

February 9, 2004

VT Halmatic

VT Halmatic has delivered an Arctic 24 rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to the island of Tristan da Cunha. Located in the South Atlantic, approximately 1,740 miles west of Cape Town, Tristan da Cunha is acknowledged as the world's most remote inhabited island. The island supports a thriving community concentrating on fishing and agriculture and the new RIB joins an existing VT Halmatic Pacific 38 RIB.

The new Arctic 24 will be used as an additional fisheries patrol boat and fast rescue craft as well as search and rescue and policing duties. Based on a deep V hull form, the Arctic 24 is known as an off-shore RIB that is available in the market place and is capable of operating in the extreme sea states found around the island. Power is provided by twin 200 hp outboard motors and the vessel is capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots.

Silver Ships/Ambar

Silver Ships/Ambar Marine recently completed a 36 ft. port security boat for the U.S. Army. Measuring at 36 ft., the boat is powered by twin 225 hp Honda Four-Stroke outboard motors, capable of speeds in excess of 44 knots. The boat features a full suite of Raymarine Electronics and Communications Equipment, Two (2) Shock Mitigating Seats, Two (2) Passenger Jump Seats, Weapons Storage Locker, 5 Kw Generator, Marine Air Conditioning and a diesel heater. It features a V Berth Forward, Standard USCG Pump Can Storage, Aft Tow Bitt, Towing Line Storage Reel, Mounts for Machine Guns

Silver Ships/AMBAR Marine have been designing and manufacturing welded aluminum boats for 18 years, and during this

Willard Marine

Willard Marine has introduced is the 36 ft. Enforcer RIB that features a removable cabin. These all-weather craft, complete with heating and air-conditioning, can be used for ship's boats and for 24-hour patrol. This model is based on the proven standard Willard 36 ft. NSW-type open, 30 passenger, RIB being produced for the U.S. Navy. Production has begun at the rate of two 36 ft. RIBs per month. Equipped with water-jets or outdrive propulsion, these jumbo-sized versatile 36 ft RIBs perform well in elevated sea-states with large loads, and respond instantly to any sudden required course changes. Construction is of heavy duty, lightweight fiberglass utilizing a resin infusion process, or in welded aluminum. The deep V hull design is by C. Raymond Hunt Associates.

Ribcraft

Ribcraft USA, a Massachusetts-based designer and builder of RIBS has entered into a multi-boat contract with the United States Coast Guard and will supply the United States Air Force with its recently launched Mitigator 25 ft. (7.8 m) boat.

The Air Force order represents the first in a series of orders from federal, state and local agencies for this newly launched craft. The Ribcraft Mitigator will be used in conjunction with the Air Force's Para Rescue activities along the Florida coastline. The Patrick Air Force Base Para Rescue team will use this new RIB for near shore rescue and recovery operations for the airfields and occasional space launches. In addition, they will use the Mitigator for routine training and preparedness exercises.

The new 25 ft. Ribcraft Mitigator integrates multiple technologies designed to enhance driver and passenger comfort and safety by mitigating many of the naturally occurring actions generated by changing sea conditions and high speeds. This craft features the latest in composite construction, an ergonomically designed console, state of the art shock reducing seats, a complete host of navigation and communications equipment, and twin 150HP outboard engines.

Under the terms of the US Coast Guard contract, Ribcraft will supply several customized 19 ft. 5.85 RIBs to the Coast Guard for peacekeeping missions and patrols overseas. Fully equipped with diesel inboard engines, these boats are capable of speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour with a capacity of more than six people. The 19 ft. Ribcraft 5.85 offers increased maneuverability, functionality, and can easily be transported by land, air and sea.

Northwind Marine

Northwind Marine has released a new 30-ft. TowMaster Aluminum-hull Rigid Inflatable Boat (A-RIB). With a bollard pull of over 4,100 lbs., each of the 240-hp Yanmars outfitted in the 30-ft TowMaster burn approximately five gallons an hour of fuel while the boat is cruising at 26 knots.

The Yanmar engines turning at 3,400 rpms coupled with a pair of 274 Hamilton waterjets push the boat to speeds over 35 knots. In conjunction with the energy absorbing 4,000 denier rated Wing Inflatable collar, the 24-degree transom dead rise/42-degree bow entry point, the six inch framing integrated stern tow bollard and the four locking position rope spool, the 30-ft TowMaster is an excellent performing tow boat.

The TowMaster can be outfitted with engines that will accommodate 4,600 lbs. of bollard pull and speeds well over 40 knots. However, as a result of rising fuel costs, the trend of work boat operators who require a balance of power and efficiency make the 240-hp Yanmar, 274 Hamilton package a popular choice.

Protector

Virginia Beach Police Department has taken delivery of their new Protector patrol boat to be used for search and rescue, patrol and law enforcement. The Virginia Beach Police Protector is a multi-purpose, high-performance, hard bottom inflatable powerboat. The solid laminate, fiberglass hull is built to commercial grade for strength and safety. The chambered hypalon tubes provide shock absorption, stability and additional buoyancy. Together, the deep-V hull and UV resistant tubes create unmatched safety and performance compared to traditional hard sided boat designs. The Virginia Beach Police Protector is specially equipped with twin Mercury 225hp, Optimax outboard engines with Digital

Throttle System and a dual-screen, Raymarine, integrated radar/GPS navigation systems for all-weather, high speed response missions.

Bullfrog Boats

Bullfrog Boats offers high quality construction, combined with the durability of aluminum and the strength of polyethylene. The majority of Bullfrog's boats are constructed using virtually indestructible, seamless polyethylene tubes with internal flotation foam, creating an unsinkable, stable and safe craft with the impact resistance of typical fiberglass boats.

The Offshore Ranger, the largest member of the Bullfrog line, is designed to be used in the most extreme conditions. The Ranger's nearly indestructible construction holds up under rough conditions.

Almar boats

This RIB is built out of 5086 welded marine grade aluminum. It has a 7-chamber 42 oz. polyurethane inflatable tube. Propulsion is is by twin 370 h.p. Yanmar 6LY Turbo Diesels w/-1:1 marine transmissions & Hamilton 274 Jetdrives. This power package achieves a top speed of 40 knots. This boat is one of two purchased by Sea Tow Brunswick in Brunswick, Georgia. It is used for towing/salvage duties & as a pilot transfer vessel for ships using the Port of Brunswick.

Nautica International

Available in Outboard, Inboard or Jet configurations, Nautica International's advanced design commercial / military craft has a specially designed deep V hull with an entry that ensures good directional stability with a dry ride. The Nautica RIB 30 F has a maximum load capacity of 30 persons (or 5500 lbs.) on its broad deck, and can be launched from ships while underway with exceptional stability. Nautica RIBs are fast, with long range capability.

SeaArk

Prior to entering the Rigid Hull Inflatable (RHIB) Market in 1995, SeaArk researched and polled hundreds of RHIB users to find out what product would best fulfill their needs. Most RHIB boats are built around the collar and its attachment system. SeaArk RAMs utilize proven, existing hull forms, and modify a very small area to accept a simple but effective attachment system. The result is a vessel that utilizes the benefits of a Rigid Hull Inflatable, without sacrificing the design or function of the boat. Interior structure, framing, and hull plating all remain basically the same as the standard Commander and Dauntless class vessels. Cockpit and superstructures can be configured identical to non-collared boats. In essence, the things that make SeaArk vessels so durable, functional, and safe for over 40 years are at the heart of every RAM product. SeaArk RAMs offer the performance and history of the standard Commander and Dauntless class hulls with the added advantage of a D-shaped collar which enhances the effectiveness of the vessel.

Wing Inflatables

Wing Inflatables manufactures original equipment and replacement sponsons for virtually any RIB. Whether airholding or air/foam hybrids, all of Wing's tubes are U.S.-designed and manufactured, using 40 oz. industrial grade, 100 percent polyurethane coated fabric.

The use of this specialized fabric, coupled with Wing's advanced construction techniques and unique design, ensure a precise fitting, low maintenance tube incorporated within each RIB. Combining the resiliency of Dow 2.2-lb. Ethafoam, the strength and durability of a polyurethane sheath and the pneumatic shock absorption of an air bladder, creates the air/foam hybrid collar.

In addition, Wing's air sponsons, which attach to any RIB hull, provide a soft impact and less shock to the vessel during boarding operations. Air inflated tubes also bend under pressure, thus offering shock absorption at higher speeds and increased maneuverability in rough seas.

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