Displaying items by tag: Hypalon

6th May 2011

The Avon SeaRider Becomes the Zodiac SeaRider

One of the best known RIB makes in the world, the Avon Searider, with hundreds in service with schools, clubs and commercial organisations around Ireland, and literally tens of thousands with similar organisations all over the world, has been treated to an upgrade and will now be sold as the Zodiac SeaRider.

Avon has been owned by Zodiac for many years now, but up until now, the two ranges were sold under separate brand names, and through separate distribution networks.

As part of a wider product integration programme, both ranges will now be sold exclusively through the Zodiac network, and under the Zodiac brand name.

This programme has already seen upgrades to the specification of the Zodiac Grand Raid range of inflatables, long established as the benchmark for commercial inflatable boats, as well as to the Avon W range of WorkBoats, now known as the Zodiac WB range of WorkBoats. These upgrades include even heavier Hypalon fabric, heavier duty standard equipment, new features fitted as standard, and a wider range of heavy duty consoles and seating.

The SeaRider range will continue to be built in the Avon factory in Llanelli, in Wales, as will the new WB series of WorkBoats, ERB Rescue Boats etc. They still offer the same outstanding performance, feature the same materials, and same "bulletproof" construction. The flooding bilge design provides ballast to make the SeaRider a stable platform while stationary at sea.

zodiac

This feature is a hallmark of the SeaRider range, and is indespensible to divers, port authorities, military and race managers alike. The photo above shows a prototype SeaRider 5.4m in mid air, with old style Avon fendering. The first models in the New Zodiac SeaRider livery are due in Ireland within the next 14 days, and they look really well with the dark grey hull and deck, grey tubes and extra wide heavy duty black fendering.

Zodiac SeaRiders will also be available to special order in the old Avon colour scheme of Grey tubes with Orange Hull and deck - this will involve a slightly longer lead time, but gives fleet owners the possibility of adding new boats to their fleet in the same colour scheme as existing boats. The new Zodiac MilPro catalogue, incorporating models from both Zodiac and Avon ranges will be available shortly. However, we wanted to bring this news to you as soon as possible and we will contact you again with more information in the near future.

The sole importer for Zodiac in Ireland is Western Marine in Dalkey, Co. Dublin.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.