ch02a.jpg Ocean Craft claims their inflatables are the safest boats ever built  a76bcs.jpg Ocean Craft claims their inflatables are the safest boats ever built

Unsinkable is the claim - By HAROLD BLIGH

Packing a soccer footy team into an open vessel is a good way to prove its buoyancy.

That's what Ocean Craft did to market its inflatable boat range to push the claim the company manufactures the safest boat built.

They say no matter what the weather or conditions the pressurised all aluminium constructed hull will not sink.

Now Ocean Craft offers a fire retardant closed cell foam filled option, a capabilty that will withstand even cyclonic conditions

They say their vessel is the ideal choice for life boat or yacht tender.

Its all aluminium construction means loading and unloading and boarding can be performed safely and reliably on the water from any part of the boat.

Ocean Craft claims their inflatables are the safest boats ever built Ocean Craft claims their inflatables are the safest boats ever built

Structural engineering tubular construction means maximum strength for minimum weight, and triangulation running the length of the boat also means the Ocean Craft is stronger and lighter than a rubber ducky.

The computer generated designs include a lightweight 2m yacht tender version, and the range continues through 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, 7m and right up to 18 metre.

Mike Jessop, of Ocean Craft, said he guaranteed 80 per cent - 100 per cent reserve buoyancy at any given time from 228Kg to 2.46 Tonnes ( 4m version) and beyond.

"The multi function patented utility diagnostic/disclosing valve valve means the integrity of the hull can be tested at any time by maintaining positive pressure inside the hull," he said.

The hull pressure could be set using an ordinary car tyre foot pump, which also acted as a bilge pump to expel water.

He said the multi-valve operated in both directions to allow expansion and contraction of air inside the boat.

"This means negative air pressure cancellation is automatic," he said.

Other options include sponsons that could be optionally filled with inert gas ( filled tubes) to prolong the life of the boat.

Purple die could also be introduced to determine pinholes or cracks in the hull due to metal fatigue etc

Or the sponsons may be filled with lighter than air gas pumped in through the utility valve, giving maximum buoyancy.

Standard features of the Ocean Craft Inflatable include all round closed cell foam 'D' fender; in-board bench seating to maximum carrying capacity; unique internal deck anchor fastening and external tow sampson post; derrick / boom lift / helicopter hoist points; two year hull warranty; bow and stern rails.

Additional optional features are in-built foredeck lockers

Mr Jessop said more deck area was available on a two or three metre Ocean Craft than a comparable three or four metre conventional hull.

"Several people can sit or stand on bow transom or gunnel with confidence without capsizing the boat, which means maximum useable deck area ," he said.

The sponson or tubular chines meant maximum water throw down, a dry ride and comfort in virtually all sea conditions because of its conventional deep V bow ( 20 degree).

An italic M shaped hull astern - with only the propeller ( or impeller intake) in the water gave the Ocean Craft a cushion of air to plane on. This minimising of drag resulted in incredible fuel economy.

For further information call Mike Jessop on: 0416 293 686 or email: mike[AT ]oceancraft.com.au

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