Two new Stebers for Marine Rescue NSW

The first of the two new Steber 38s will be based at Port Stephens and the second at Port Macquarie, replacing an existing Steber 34 (pictured) after about 15 years service.

General manager, Alan Steber said both vessels will feature flybridges, which have proved beneficial in search and rescue operations when fitted to selected vessels currently in service.

"Construction time will be six to eight months, excluding the Christmas factory break, with work starting on the Port Stephens vessel first, followed about two months later by commencement of the Port Macquarie boat."

"Steber has built a solid relationship with the NSW Marine Rescue Authority with our boats stationed along the coast, including Bermagui, Batemans Bay, Jervis Bay, Botany Bay, Shoalhaven, Pittwater, Sydney, Forster, Port Macquarie and Yamba," he said.

Steber said the Taree factory is a hive of activity, apart from the new boat builds for Marine Rescue and the collaboration with Van Diemen Luxury Craft on a 34ft tender vessel.

Two clients have just delivered their 36ft and 43ft vessels for major refits and showing the business's versatility in fibreglass construction, it has just completed a major waterslide project.

"Even though times are still tough in maufacturing, we at Steber feel we have turned the corner," Mr Steber said.

"We have just added three new staff, and have commenced a training program to keep pace with current and expected orders."