VESSEL REVIEW | Aldebaran – Pilot RIB delivered to Central America operator

A new pilot boat was recently handed over to an undisclosed customer in Central America.

Aldebaran was built to a design by New Zealand-based naval architecture firm Naiad Design. The rigid inflatable boat (RIB) features an aluminium hull, a length of 11.3 metres, a beam of 3.85 metres, a lightship displacement of 6,000 kg, and space for one coxswain and four passengers/pilots. D-shaped 600mm foam and a polyurea hybrid elastomeric membrane were used for the wrap-around collar while power is provided by two Yamaha 223kW petrol outboards with stainless steel propellers.

Aluminium grab rails and non-slip decking sheet are fitted around the cabin to allow greater safety when walking along the exterior. For transfers to other vessels, pilots may use boarding handrails at the bow and the aft splashwell. The cabin interior walls and ceiling are insulated and panelled with FRP and aluminium trim.

The air-conditioned interior has Shockwave shock-mitigating seats for the wheelhouse occupants, a storage cuddy with built-in bunk areas, and a toilet with a solar-powered exhaust fan. During emergencies, the occupants have access to extinguishers, an MOB cradle, life rings, and a six-person liferaft. A carbon monoxide detector and a petrol fume detector are also fitted to provide advance warning of possible onboard leaks.

The electronics suite includes a Garmin package consisting of a radar, a GPS with sonar and multifunction display, VHF radios, and a class B AIS transponder. Electrical power is drawn from a Northern Lights 6kW generator.