Abey-Lee

Another marine rescue RIB refit and repower

In 2020 we were once again pleased to be able to contribute to the important work undertaken by the volunteers in Western Australia’s marine rescue groups.

Through a significant refit, we upgraded the 8.5 metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) Abey-Lee for Marine Rescue Leeman (previously branded as Leeman Volunteer Sea Search & Rescue Group) just as we had done for similar vessels and groups including Nashira for Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group (VMRG).

Work we undertook on Abey-Lee, a Naiad design built by another aluminium boatbuilder in 2011, included:

  • Installation of a new collars and bladders onto the rigid hull;
  • Repowering with new twin 250hp Yamaha outboards which give top speeds close to 50 knots;
  • Painting including updating the livery to meet new Marine Rescue WA standards; and
  • Installation of a new electronics package and new helm seats.

The Leeman volunteers are one of 39 Marine Rescue WA groups situated along Western Australia’s coastline from Esperance in the south to Kununurra in the north, including Christmas and Cocos (Keeling ) Islands.

They have been formally approved under Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Service’s (DFES) Act.

For more information on Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia (VMRWA) visit www.vmrwa.org.au or its Facebook page.

NB: We provide details of the refit of Nashira here

“We are proud to help ensure Abey-Lee and the volunteers in Leeman can continue to undertake their important sea search and rescue functions”

Rohan Warr - Dongara Marine

Marine Rescue Leeman Vessel Refit

Marine Rescue Leeman’s vessel ‘Abey-Lee’ has undergone a $180,000, ESL funded refit! Since returning to the group she’s already rescued a stranded dinghy and its passengers from the far side of the Beagle Islands, about 10 nautical miles from Leeman. Local boat builders Dongara Marine Pty Ltd are the team behind the rebuild which will keep this essential service running for many more years 🚤

Posted by Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA on Sunday 26 July 2020

Specifications

Overview
Principal Particulars
Propulsion & Performance
Other Details
Project type
Vessel Refit / Repair
Client
Marine Rescue Leeman / Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Vessel Type
Search and rescue
Hull type
Monohull (RIB)
Designer
Naiad Design
Construction materials
Aluminium hull and superstructure
Survey / Class
AMSA NSCV 2C
Length overall
8.5 metres
Beam
3.0 metres
Draft
0.75 metres
Capacity
Seating for 4 personnel
Crew
2
Fuel
580 litres
Fresh water
Main engines
2 x Yamaha outboards
Main engine rating
2 x 186kW
Propulsion
2 x outboards
Maximum speed
47.0 knots
Service speed
30.0 knots
Vessel builder
Kirby Marine
Fendering
Inflatable full round collar