Sun Xpress- 14metre - Fiji high speed tourism boat

Woody Marine delivers another world first. If a 14m RHIB doesn't get your attention then four V8 350hp Yamaha's powering this sleek and stylish boat with a top speed of 53 knots should. Last year saw Woody's deliver two 12.5m RIB's with quad 300hp Suzuki outboards. At the time this was a world first for the new Suzuki 300's and now Woody's has gone one step further with the new V8 350hp Yamaha's.

Over the last few years Woody Marine has developed its name in building large commercial RHIB's (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) along the East coast of Australia and into the International market. This latest vessel, the "Sun Xpress", proudly launched in January will operate in Fiji as a tourist transfer vessel between the islands and resorts with a seating capacity of 40, along with luggage storage up forward. Fold-out bow boarding has given the owner the flexibility to pick up and drop off passengers at beach landings.

The mid-console location provides for a great vantage point for the crew for steering, but also allows crew to interact with the passengers easily. Woody's console layout has obviously been influenced by years of experience, as gauges, switches and electronics are carefully arranged to ensure everything is only a finger tip away from the helm position. All gauges are clearly visible to the skipper while either standing or seated and the helmsman seat is extremely comfortable, and with the "Sun Xpress" logo embroidered on the backrest, it can be seen that Woody's pride itself with attention to detail.

A complete Navman Electronics system was installed, featuring the Navman 8120 plotter, radar and sounder package. The 12" colour screen has great colour definition and is easy to navigate around the screens. Its central location ahead of the helm gives the skipper all the information they need at a touch of a button. The low profile screen complements the new and impressive Yamaha engine displays. An additional Navman 6600 Trackfish was also fitted as a backup system on board. The Hydrive power assist steering package makes driving this big RIB a delight, with copper lines running from the helm pump back to the transom.

Contained within the console is a full height toilet area with a basin and freshwater tap. The toilet system is a "Dometic" vacuum flush toilet system with a holding tank aft in the utility area. Also in the utility are all the cables and wiring engine looms neatly zip-tied into the cable trays and all the main plumbing is neatly run for the fresh water and black water systems.

At sea trials, the vessel was put through its paces and performed outstandingly. In 2m seas the vessel cruised at 42 knots in a 30 knot head wind, and everyone on board was blown away by the handling capabilities, while maintaining a dry and comfortable ride. Sitting on a speed of 23 knots, the Yamaha V8's purred at an easy 2800 rpm and gave the owner the comfort ride and a very pleasing fuel consumption sub 100 litres/hour over the boat.

Woody Marine is currently building another 14m RIB for an Australian client, with this vessel design layout featuring a fwd cuddy cabin arrangement to provide the passengers protection from the elements while giving the option of opening up the boat when the weathers fine. This vessel will also be fitted with the Yamaha V8's and we are all looking forward to launch day for this one.