Spotlight: 4.85M Rivdale Dinghy

Greener boatbuilding

One of Australia's largest fibreglass boat manufacturers, The Haines Group, has modified its manufacturing process to reduce styrene emissions, while improving product consistency and output at the same time.

In a world first, the Queensland-based company has used the never-before-seen Resin Injection Vacuum Assisted Low Emission (RIVALE) technology to produce a new class of fibreglass boat, designed to rival the current tinnie market.

The result of a $1.2m investment by the Haines Group, coupled with Federal Government funding, the unique RIVALE closed moulding technique consists of filling a rigid, closed mould cavity by injecting a resin through several points.

The Haines Group managing director (sales and marketing) Greg Haines said RIVALE produced near zero emissions, reduced the amount of waste fibreglass and resin, plus reduced consumables.

"Because the emissions are well below world minimum standards, we can manufacture in Australia and keep jobs here, unlike many companies in the USA and Europe who have moved their operations to third world countries due to no emission controls and cheap labour," said Haines.

The Haines Group's RIVALE technology replaces traditional open moulding techniques, which are more expensive, more laborious and less environmentally sound. Now, after two years of research and development, the Haines Group have created a robust and virtually unsinkable 4.85m dinghy using the technology.

The first of its kind, the fibreglass dinghy weighs 320kg, can carry five passengers and can be customised with numerous alternative configurations. Haines said: "The process has unlimited potential, however, this dinghy is designed for the tinnie market. It's the next generation of the Aussie icon, more affordable, quieter, smoother riding and tougher."

By changing its manufacturing process to RIVALE technology, The Haines Group has substantially improved their manufacturing efficiency, increasing production for less expenditure. All fibreglass boats manufactured by The Haines Group will eventually use RIVALE technology.

The 4.85m RIVALE dinghy will retail from a starting price of approximately $14,990 including boat, motor and trailer, and will be distributed as the Signature 485SF (above), Traveler TD157, and Seafarer Vantage 4.85.

For more information, visit www.thehainesgroup.com