Kirby takes top prize at WA Marine Industry Awards 2009

by BIA WA on 17 Aug 2009 The WA Boat of the Year, announced 13 August, was awarded to Kirby Marine for their TW152 10m Kirby Naiad Police patrol vessel. The 10m Naiad Police Patrol Vessel TW152 replaces a well known patrol vessel “Jamee Lee” which served for six years in the Perth metropolitan waters.

On Thursday 13 August, members of the Western Australian Marine Industry gathered at a glittering awards dinner at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre to announce the winners of this year’s West Australian Marine Awards, acknowledging the Western Australian Boat Builders, Retailers and those who work in the industry.

The Kirby Tango Whisky 152 is the latest in high speed digital inflatable patrol boats and is unique to Western Australia. Measuring 10 metres in length, she is crewed by two patrol offices plus four special personnel. The vessel has a top speed of 47 knots, a cruising speed of 30 knots and operates on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This vessel was designed to suit the particular needs of the Western Australia Police Force and the Western Australia coastline. The vessel has the latest in navigational communication electronics and has the ability to deploy side scan sonar. The TW152 has become a favourite with all officers in the water police and has lead to other variations of the vessel for recreational use.

The Judges commented on how this was an all round boat, which did exactly what it was made for.

The Kirby TW152 – 10m Kirby Naiad Police Patrol Vessel also won the award for WA Boat of the Year Custom Vessel Private which was proudly sponsored by WA Boatrader Magazine.

The WA Boat of the Year, Fibreglass under 8m, went to Commodore Marine for the Couta 685. The Couta 685 is a fully optional fishing boat, designed by fishermen for fishermen. Its design with a raised helm position gives greater viewing and navigation capabilities while still providing a dry cockpit for fishing.

The WA Boat of the Year, Fibreglass over 8m, was awarded to the Fury 282 Centre Console by Fury Custom Boats. The 282 Centre Console is a unique design; a toilet with full head height and double bed under the console, the ability to have more shaded area on board than any other centre console on the market. The Fury 282 boasts excellent stability at rest or in fishing conditions; it’s a great boat for all from the family man to the dedicated fisherman.

The WA Boat of the Year, Aluminium under 8m, is awarded to the Evolution 550 Outsider Island cab by Evolution Boat Builders. The 550 Outsider Island Cab is designed and built to meet the needs of the serious offshore boater.
With plenty of deck space and the comfort of the enclosed cab the 550 Island Cab would satisfy the requirements of any serious boater.
Details: 5.5m, 2.5m beam, 150lts fuel tank, Flotation, 5 passengers on the builder’s plate, Fold down targa bar and an Outboard range min115hp-max175hp.

Evolution Boat Builders also picked up the award for WA Boat of the Year, Custom Vessel Private with the Evolution 640 Outsider Island Cab.
The 640 Outsider Island Cab provide a great soft ride, fantastic offshore performance and meets all the needs of serious offshore boaters
Details: 6.4m, 22.5m beam, 210Lts of fuel, Flotation, Kill tank, LED lights mounted in transom,8 passengers to the builders plates requirements,
Outboard range min: 175hp-max: 250hp.

The WA Boat of the Year, Aluminium over 8m, was awarded to the 265 Bronze Whaler by Chivers Marine. The 265 Bronze Whaler has an innovated hull design with multi chine longitudinal girders incorporates a 28 and 22 degree dead rise and a floodable keel ballast system providing excellent stability at rest and superior rise and performance under way.

The large cabin has 3 bunks and self contained toilet and out on the rear deck is the island work station incorporating fridge, stove, sink and much more to provide the perfect weekender or extended fishing trip. The Chivers Bronze Whaler 265HT enables you to attack the water with confidence and safety.

Another section to this year’s awards was the Western Australian imported boat of the year. Vessels eligible for these awards are built outside Western Australia but available for sale within Western Australia.

The Alumiunium Under 8m was presented to Offshore Marine for the 560XS Bar Crusher. The 560XS stood out for its fishability and is an ideal hardcore fishing machine with maximum flexibility

The Fibreglass Under 8m was awarded to All Boat Business for the Haines Signature S80 Bowrider for its performance and handling for skiing and watersports activities with an outstandingly smooth and dry ride for passengers.

The Personal Watercraft (PWC) award was presented to Seadoo GTXiS; for a PWC this is an awesome package. It is surprisingly dry, has great maneuverability, outstanding power and a spec list that is way above its competitors.

The industry awards were awarded to those who have or are working within the marine industry.

Boatman of the Year, sponsored by WA’s Department of Transport, was presented to Phillip Watts who was nominated by his long term employer Chivers Marine. Phillip Watts is well known and highly regarded throughout the industry.

The next award was for Marine Innovation, which was awarded to three candidates as they were all equally as deserving: Marina Protection, Rapid Anchor and Fury Custom Boats Centre Console.

The award for Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by Westcorp Capital Finance, went to Brendon Grieve from R Marine for all the work he has done in the industry over the years. His relationship with customers and colleagues has grown over the years to make him a greatly respected member of the industry.

WA Boating and Education award, sponsored by WA Boatrader Magazine, went to John Watson; having seen more than 200 apprentices through their studies he has made a significant contribution to the marine industry as a whole. John strives to ensure that the courses he provides are at the cutting edge of technology and remain relevant to the industry.

A major part of the Western Australian Marine awards is to also recognise those new to the industry who are already showing great achievement within the industry. Three awards aimed at this area are the Young Marine Retailer and two apprentice awards.

Young Marine retailer of the year, sponsored by JPW, went to Damian Walker from All Boat Business. Damian was chosen for the awards not only for his great sales mannerisms but also his maturity and willingness to learn in order to progress in the industry.

Apprentice of the Year, Marine Craft Construction/Fabrication, sponsored by Honda MPE went to Michael Busteed from Kirby Marine. Michael was fast tracked through his TAFE training and completed his studies 6 months early with excellent results. Michael is very competent and uses his initiative to solve problems by offering new innovative ideas.

Apprentice of the Year, Marine Mechanic/Electronic was awarded to Jesse Booth from All Boat Business. Jesse originally joined the company as an apprentice mechanic but was quickly offered an apprenticeship. Jesse excels in any task that he is presented and goes well beyond the call of his duties.

For more information please contact Nikki at the Boating Industry Association of Western Australia on 08 9271 9688 or Nikki@biawa.asn.au