Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Smuggler Strata 11.2m Coastguard RIB

DESIGNER:
David Pringle
Words by John Eichelsheim, Photos by Will Calver
Written
Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked
OVERALL RATING
We gave the
an OVERALL RATING of
4
out of 5 stars
PERFORMANCE
78
%
HANDLING
80
%
ECONOMY
78
%
SPECIFICATION
80
%
BUILD QUALITY
80
%
VALUE
75
%
  MODEL DETAILS
DESIGNER
David Pringle
BUILDER
Smuggler Marine
  SPECS
LENGTH OVER ALL (M)
11.2
BEAM (M)
3.3
DRAFT (M)
0.5
DISPLACEMENT (KG)
4850
FUEL CAPACITY (L)
800
  DETAILS
ENGINE
2 x Volvo Penta D4-260/DHP Aquamatic Duoprop
FUEL (L)
800
PASSENGER(S)
6
CONSTRUCTION
Inflatable
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
GRP

K ahurangi – ‘treasured possession’ – is based at the Whangaroa Harbour. Coastguard Whangaroa evolved from a local maritime radio service established in the 1960s, providing a full VHF and SSB service to both commercial and recreational users – including the offshore cruising sailors heading into the South Pacific.
In 2009, with the assistance of Coastguard Northern Region, the ex-Tutukaka 8.5m Protector was obtained. This vessel was an ex-Team NZ support vessel from the 1990s and continued to give excellent service to Whangaroa. But she was aging and only kept operational with regular maintenance and costly upgrades to the engines and tubes. She’s now been sold and retired from the Coastguard fleet.
Coastguard Whangaroa’s operational area is from Matauri Bay at the south-eastern end of the Cavalli Islands, west to Berghan Point, and out to the 12-mile limit. Most of the operational area (some 374 nm2) comprises isolated, rugged coastal areas, with generally steep, inaccessible cliffs.
NEW BOAT
In early 2014, proposals were sought from New Zealand boat builders for a rescue vessel in the 10 to 12m range. Five proposals were received – in both alloy and GRP construction – with options of outboards, diesel engines on either jets or sterndrives.
12_Vedo Marine Photography_cmyk (Small)
Several criteria influenced the final decision: only diesel fuel is readily available on the harbour; the new vessel is expected be in Whangaroa for more than 20 years as the annual operational hours are relatively low (approx. 300 hrs), so long-term maintenance costs had to be considered. A proven hull design suitable for the likely conditions outside the harbour was a must, and, of course, a competitive build price was important.
Funding was a challenge – Whangaroa’s local population is less than 3,000 with a very low median income. There are no towns of any significant size in the area, nor large businesses to assist with sponsorship. So this process took a bit of time. It was only when Coastguard Northern Region and Coastguard NZ offered excellent support in obtaining a large portion of the funding, that things got going in earnest.
17_Vedo Marine Photography_cmyk (Small)
The team elected to go with a GRP hull from Smuggler Marine and a pair of efficient Volvo D4 diesels on the latest DPH sternlegs.
Smuggler RHIBs date back to 2005 when the company partnered with Southern Pacific, which produced the tubes on the first Strata 750 RHIB. The boats are designed by Smuggler company director and boat builder David Pringle.
We first saw Kahurangi sitting on her purpose-built triple-axle trailer. At 11.2m with a beam of 3.3m, she is not your normal small rescue craft. To move her on the trailer requires a special permit for travelling on main roads. She will only do so on trips to Opua for major maintenance, or for an emergency reposition in the north to assist on the west coast for example.
Because of her size, it was easier to steam Kahurangi home and tow the trailer up north independently, avoiding the need for a special over-width permit and deflating the pontoons. With a fuel stop at Marsden Cove and a quick lunch break, the average speed on the first leg was 26 knots.
The total steam time on the delivery voyage was around six hours. Once past Cape Brett, it became quite snotty with 26 gusting 32-knot winds and 3m seas on the nose. This proved to be a good shakedown and a welcome one, as these are the conditions the vessel will be expected to operate in most of the time. Despite these conditions Kahurangi was able to maintain and average speed of 23 knots on the second leg.
LAYOUT
Stepping aboard, the vessel’s GRP hull and cabin structure immediately sets her apart from her alloy counterparts. She looks classy.
The crew work area aft, or cockpit, is afforded shelter from the cabin and is low enough for the crew to reach over the side. Immediately to starboard is a small stainless steel solid davit with its own lifting warp and a winch strong enough to lift an inert body from the water.
02_Vedo Marine Photography_cmyk_cmyk (Small)
There’s also a sturdy built-in swim or boarding platform across the transom, and a very solid towing post positioned amidships on top of the transom structure. Ahead of the transom is the full-width, raised engine box.
Either side are twin safety grab rails to ensure the crew, when working aft, have a hand on the vessel at all times.
Kahurangi is powered by twin Volvo Penta D4-260/DPH Aquamarine Duoprop –DPH Stern Drive marine diesels. Developing 260hp@3500rpm, these units offer a maximum torque of 615Nm@2500rpm. The optimal
cruise speed during sea trials was 21-27 knots, consuming 1.9 to 2.1 litres per nautical mile.
At these speeds  Kahurangi would have  a service range of 350 to 380 nautical miles with 10 percent fuel in reserve. These engines are remarkably quiet – with the door closed, all you hear is a murmuring hum in the bum.
Waterproof engine ventilation is through the vents across the forward part of the machinery space. There is also a small crew bench seat with stowage for tow-lines etc, underneath. There are a further two seats at the rear of the cabin, with added emergency equipment such as a petrol engine-powered fire and salvage pump.
ELECTRICS
Up-top is a large boom LED floodlight facing forward, with two smaller deck floods facing aft. There are twin remote operated searchlights, and beside the array of aerials is a siren and flashing police lights.
A fully-enclosed cabin offers comfort and security, with seating for a crew of four. With crew safety a key feature, the shock-mitigating ‘Shark’ seating will absorb the worst of the conditions. The springs can absorb up to 10 gees of impact.
20_Vedo Marine Photography_cmyk (Small)
The dash panels – carbon fibre lookalike Formica – remove any potential glare. LED lighting incorporates both white and a red ‘night’ option. The wide expansive windows offer a clear all-round view for the crew.
The main conning position is to starboard, with the command station to port. Like many of her Coastguard sisters, Kahurangi is fitted with an extensive electronics package from Advance Trident Ltd. It comprises two Simrad EVOII 12-inch displays, one each side, for both the command and helm stations.
A Simrad 4G Radar and Structure Scan – bottom and side scan sonar – covers the above and below nav aids, with the plot being the Navionics Platinum charting system. The Simrad autopilot is fitted with virtual rudder feedback, giving positive helm control when on auto. For VHF communications, there’s a Simrad RS35, and also fitted are two Simrad IS40 graphic instrument displays for monitoring the onboard systems.
23_Vedo Marine Photography_cmyk (Small)
As is now required on all Coastguard vessels, there is an AIS system and provision for the FLIR night vision camera. To ensure crew safety on deck there are two cameras, one covering the bow and one aft. These are wired to a 7-inch touchscreen. Finally, to assist in maintaining a stable trim at sea, the vessel is fitted with the Zipwake-Interceptor fully-automated trim tab system.
Down in the medical bay and crew rest area is a small head, refrigerated chill bin and a small sink and tea-making bench – complete with microwave and jug. A small inverter supplies 240-volt AC.
SEA TRIAL
Kahurangi feels solid in the water. Handling is positive as she responds immediately to engine and helm adjustments. Smuggler Marine has a reputation for delivering a soft, dry-riding hull, something we struggled to confirm in the calm conditions. But a passing ferry’s wake did give us something of an opportunity – she
hangs on in the turns.
The GRP hull softened the water noise while the built-in spray chines quickly turned any white water away from the vessel. All in all, she is a well-built ready response vessel, one that will offer the Far North the added security of a new, fit-for-purpose rescue craft designed to work for the next 20 years.

Related Articles

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Boating New Zealand
Boating New Zealandhttps://www.boatingnz.co.nz
Boating NZ is New Zealand’s premier marine title devoted to putting its readers behind the wheel of the latest trailerboats, yachts and launches to hit the market. It inspires with practical content and cruising adventures, leads the fleet with its racing coverage and is on the pulse of the latest maritime news and innovation.

More from Boating New Zealand

IBEX Education Conference 2025...

North America’s premier marine industry trade event, the International Boat...

Candela secures $14M in Series...

Candela, a leader in zero-emission waterborne transport, has raised an addi...

Louis Burton Forced to Withdra...

The Vendée Globe, renowned as the world’s toughest solo sailing race, has c...

ePropulsion expands 96V produc...

Out of Georgia in the United States, ePropulsion, a global leader in marine...

Won Lotto and lost for ways to...

If you have recently won Lotto but have struggled to find that li...

RNZYS’ Megan Thomson set to ma...

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) will have its eyes fixed on Je...
-- ADVERTISEMENT --

Follow Us

Weekly Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest developments shaping New Zealand's Boating world.

Social Media

Follow us on social media to stay in the loop with the latest trends and news shaping New Zealand's boating scene!

-- THINGS WE LOVE --

GET
STARLINK
HERE

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

Catch all the action of the Vendée Globe Race, starting 10 Nov, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand.

FISHING

Extreme Boats Fishing Tournament, 29 & 30 Nov 2024 in Whitianga

Makaira Trailer Boat Competition, 25 & 26 Jan 2025 in Whangaroa

Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, 25 - 27 Oct 2025 TBC in Te Anau Manapouri

REGATTAS

Beneteau Owners Rally, 23 Nov 2024, Auckland to Kawau

Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta, 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 at Torbay Sailing Club

Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2024 starts in Sydney, Australia

New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 in Auckland

Bay of Islands Sailing Week, 21 - 24 Jan 2025 at Bay of Islands

NZ Millenium Cup, 1 - 4 Feb 2025 at Waitemata Harbour

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour

PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell

NZ Match Racing Championships, 2025 dates tbc in Auckland

HYDRO THUNDER

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Mangakino, 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 at Mangakino

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Mangakino, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 at Mangakino

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Karapiro, 7 - 9 Feb 2025 at Karapiro

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R2, 1 Dec 2024 at Featherston

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R3, 27 Dec 2024 at Wanganui

UIM World Jetsprint Championships, 25 Jan -2 Feb 2025 at Wanaka (25 & 26 Jan) and Wanganui (1 & 2 Feb)

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch

2024 Golden Homes NZ Jet Boat Marathon, 2025 dates TBC on Southland Rivers (Oreti, Waiau and Mataura)

National Jet Boat Rally 2024, 2025 date TBC at Oliver Road, Bendigo (near Cromwell)

WATERSPORTS

Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge, 2025 dates tbc Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

NON-MOTORISED SPORT

Waka Ama - 2025 National Sprint Championships, 12 - 18 Jan 2025 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge

Waka Ama - 2025 Secondary School Nationals, 24 - 28 Mar 2025 at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

ANTIQUE, CLASSIC & RETRO BOATS

25th NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show , 1 & 2 Mar 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes

COMMUNITY

Bay of Islands Cruiser's Festival, 20 - 23 Nov 2024 at Bay of Islands Marina, Opua

The New Zealand Sailing Trust 5 Day Sail, 13 - 17 Jan 2025 starting in Auckland

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 March 2025 at Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

International Boat Shows

COMING EVENTS

Antigua Charter Yacht Show 4 - 9 Dec 2024 to be held at the Nelson's Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua

Boot Düsseldorf 18 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held in Düsseldorf, Germany

New York Boat Show, 22 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held at the Javits Center, New York

Bahamas Charter Yacht Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at Nassau, Bahamas

Houston Boat Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at the NRG Center, Houston, Texas

Dubai International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Feb 2025 to be held at the Dubai Harbour

Miami International Boat Show, 12 - 16 Feb 2025 to be held in Miami

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

Palm Beach International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Mar 2025 to be held along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach

International Multihull Show, 23 - 27 Apr 2025 to be held in Terre-plein Ouest du port La Grande-Motte (34), France

Palma International Boat Show, 30 Apr - 3 May 2025 to be held at the Superyacht Village, Palma, Spain

Barcaly's Jersey Boat Show, 3 - 5 May 2025 to be held in the Channel Islands

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 9 - 11 May 2025 to be held in Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The British Motor Yacht Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 to be held at the Swanwick Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

Sanctuary Cove International Boat show, 22 - 25 May 2025 to be held in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland

Sydney International Boat show, 31 July - 3 Aug 2025 to be held at ICC Sydney & Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

Hiswa Te Water, 3 - 7 Nov 2025 to be held in Bataviahaven Lelystad, The Netherlands

Southampton International Boat Show, 19 - 28 Sep 2025 to be held in Southampton, UK

International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), 7 - 9 Oct 2025 to be held in Tampa, Florida

Annapolis Sail Boat Show, 9 - 13 Oct 2025 to be held at City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland

Newport International Boat Show, 20 - 23 Nov 2025 to be held in Newport, Rhode Island

Cannes Yachting Festival, 9 - 14 Sep 2025 at Cannes – Vieux Port & Port Canto

Genoa Boat Show, 18 - 23 Sep 2025 to be held in Genoa, Italy

Melbourne International Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held at New Quay Promenade Harbour Esplanade Seven Marinas

Biograd Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held in the City of Biograd, Croatia

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 29 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 to be held at several locations in Fort Lauderdale

METSTRADE 18 - 20 Nov 2025 to be held at the Rai, Amsterdam

Monaco Yacht Show, 24 - 27 Sep 2025 on Monacco