in focus (2005) Construction, testing and independent evaluation.... Woody Marine Fabrication boast a factory which is immaculately kept - as will be seen in the images on this page. This workplace condition reflects directly on the work ethic of the management and staff at Woody Marine Fabrication. Every "i" is dotted and every "t" crossed when it comes to the manufacture of Naiad rigid inflatable boats. It should, therefore, come as no surprise then that two separate independent evaluations of the boat displayed below have sung its praises. Image right: The perfect wake of the Naiad 8.5 manufactured at Woody Marine Fabrication reflects the extremely high level of expertise and finish that goes into their boats. (Click on thumbnail images on this page for screen sized pictures) The Naiad 8.5 is the preferred choice of the New Zealand Coastguard. Naiads are also used by the Alaskan Fisheries Protection, the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Water Taxis and whenever safety, stability, predictable handling and performance are called for. When the weather turns for the worse Naiad makes the difference. The images below overview the construction of a Naiad 8.5 metre boat at Woody Marine Fabrication. Testing of the boat undertaken by the VMR (Volunteer Marine Rescue) in NSW: The initial testing of the boat was undertaken in the quiet waters of Moreton Bay by Woody Marine Fabrication. The boat performed perfectly running smoothly at 50 knots with its two powerful 250HP outtboard engines. Image right: the perfect wake of the Naiad 8.5 in Moreton Bay The VMR were invited to these initial trials and, after seeing the boat in action, asked if they could trial and evaluate the boat in more extreme rescue-type conditions. Woody Marine Fabrication were delighted to participate. Images below show Naiad 8.5 fitout and being prepared for initial testing Naiad 8.5 evaluated by VMR In April last year an experienced members of the VMR tested the Naiad 8.5. Independent evaluation of the vessel over 3 days on one of the roughest NSW bars proved the sea handling abilities of the 8.5 with the chief of operations of a VMR describing the Naiad built by WMF as an excellent rescue boat which handled pretty rough conditions in seas up to 3m at times punching through breaking seas over 3m. During testing the 8.5 towed a 7 tonne vessel with virtually no dip in the stern. The VMR have tested 4 vessels and described the Naiad as the best of all with very good attention to detail, they also said that the boat is very stable and has excellent manoeuvrability. The photos below include shots taken during the testing of the 8.5 off Point Danger by the VMR in 2004