Boat building project in Sri Lanka

[gamage]

Due to unexpected disaster (tsunami) 90% of boats (Day fishing and multyday fishing) destroyed in Sri Lanka including boat yards, Please assist me to establish new boat yard in order to cater nation’s immediate requirement of fishing boats have over 20 years experience as a senior technical person in this industry

Contact me on <anandagamage@yahoo.com> or 0094777686982

vew www.geocities.com/anandagamage/index

[Stephen Ditmore]

What supplies do you require? If there's some way to assure you'll pass the savings along to people who've lost boats I might be interested in soliciting donations of boatbuilding materials from the United States & elsewhere.

This web site has useful contact information for coordinating transportation of relief supplies free of charge to India: http://www.aidindia.org/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=63

Does similar information exist for Sri Lanka, Indonesia, or other places in need?

Our concern & best wishes in this difficult New Year.
Stephen

[Tad]

Does anyone have a connection or knowledge of a creditable agency already on the ground and dealing with boat/marine/fishing issues, in any of the affected areas? I would be willing to work with such an agency to solicit donations of technical information, materials, or equipment.

Tad

[Stephen Ditmore]

My impression is that Singapore, Malasia, and India are well organized in these areas, but that Indonesia is not. Thailand and Sri Lanka are probably somewhere between. My sense is that the NGOs generally are not experienced with maritime issues, which is why I'd like to propose we form an informal advisory team.

When I was in Western Indian fishing villages in 1984 the fishermen who used outboards used exclusively kerosene burning versions, and expressed a growing brand preference for Yamaha. This article seems to indicate that the trend has continued since:
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2003/03/23/bus12.html

I suspect someone at Yamaha has a great deal of knowledge of the effected areas. I'd love to hear from such a person.

Below is a copy of a message I just e-mailed to Baird Publications in Australia:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Baird Publications:

Marine professionals around the world would like to be of assistance in providing for the transportation and distribution of relief supplies to Tsunami stricken areas.


What are the specific needs of disaster victims, relief agencies, and other responders?
Do the outboard engines in the stricken areas of Indonesia burn kerosene or gasoline? Is there a brand or model preferred by fishermen?
If a relief agency wants to buy or otherwise procure motor launches & utility boats at a reasonable price, can that be done in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand or Singapore? Who should they contact?
Do more boats need to be brought from outside Southeast Asia, or are there enough boats in all categories in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand & Singapore to meet the demand?

Please post any information on how we might help to the online discussion at: http://boatdesign.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=26
Someone from Baird Publications would be an asset to our forming coordination team.

Thank You & Happy New Year.

Stephen Ditmore
Forces At Work
New York

[CDBarry]

Steve,

Engineers Without Borders - www.ewb-usa.org might be an appropriate NGO.

SNAME also has members in that area who might be available to mobilize help and validate organizations.

You may want to contact Phil Kimball at SNAME.

(I would but my email seems to be pooky now. I will try later.)

[gamage]

Thank you for your kind reply . With all these infromations I will cooparate with ministry of fishies sri lanka and some existing boat yards to set-up boat yard at surthen province to assist Peopel disterbed by this disaster. I am an engineer worked at srilankean boatyard and left to gulf country for an employement.But I will stay in My country and work with my ppl until we recover .

[Stephen Ditmore]

Dear Gamage:

Have you settled on a design and a method? The possibility exists of partnering with someone (Derek Kelsall comes to mind) who has pioneered a quick-build method (there are several to choose from) and turning out boats in quantity. What are you thinking in terms of design, method, material, size, and number?

In my experience fishermen often run up debts financing their boats. Are these debts going to be renegotiated to allow them to buy new boats, or is there some other source of funding (insurance, govenment, etc.)? Are you seeking outside assistance? Donated materials?

[gamage]

Dear Stephen

Today I met one of the sneoir official at MOF. The magnitude of damage to boats, yet to be esteblished. expecting out line pictuer around 10th- 12th .Acoording to my knolowlge they have to consider 19ft Day fishing boat & 15-25HP obm and 29ft-32 ft inboard with simpal wheel house and 45ft-55ft inboard multy-day boats.
Further I am considaring to promote some catamarn(composits) for plessuer which may be the best option to recover from touarisam trade.which completaly disterbed at coastal area. At this time I am looking for some positive invester to go ahad with this project.I will feed you all infromation no sooner concern aurthurtes relese same

[Alik]

Hi,
I stay in Thailand now and have good chance to research their boatbuilding industry. Besides our own boatbuilding project, I go in for teaching Thai students on Small Craft Design in only school they have for Naval Architecture in SriRacha.
I can state that main problem for this area is lack of standards for boatbuilding, and most of boats are unsafe themselves. So, if we try to improve or contribute to this area of local industry, we should take care of boat safety first. Tourists come here to have fun but not trouble...

[D'ARTOIS]

What I actually highly appreciate (Mr Ditmore et al) is the is the willingness of the Forum to whip up some actual support for your people, Mr Gamage.
I think that our Dutch friends, if they make a proper round-up around their relatives, we might find non-used equipment etc. to bring at least one or two of your shipyards back into action.
What we require however is actual information, as:

1. What is needed;
2. Do we receive a guarantee from your Government that given materials will not be subject to import-duties and other red tape of the Government;
3. A proper contactperson in the Government who can be contacted in case of necessity;
4. Which port can be used as port of destination?
5. Who will act as the consignee?

In fact, before putting a few things forward, we require actual information;
if you are unable to supply that, let us know accordingly.

Sincere Regards,
D'ARTOIS

[lprimina]

There are some guys in HArkers Island that have a boat design (18 to 24ft) that can be built in a weeks time. They did it at the smithsonian in 99. I dont know if the boats are big enough to work over there but it might help in the short run till the bigger boats are ready.
Let me know and I can get the plans (I hope so anyway)
Ben

[D'ARTOIS]

To All Forum Members:

We have a Forum Member located in West Sumatra; Mr Klaus Neven. I think it might be a good idea to contact him for reason that he knows the situation there extremely well, he acts as a intermediate between Indonesian shipyards and prospect customers.
Would that be an option to put something into action?

[davidjgray]

To all Forum Members

It seems to me there are two needs.

One is to rebuild the local fishing industries/tourism etc with boats which meet these local requirements.

The other is to have a fleet of rapidly deployable vessels (and personnel) which can fit inside large transport aircraft for future Tsunami disasters. The problem at present appears to be a lack of available transport for distribution of all the aid arriving in the affected regions. We would like to discuss with those whose business it is to oversee such matters, the requirements for such a vessel. We think for example our Spirit class small fast passenger vessel might be quite suitable (www.acemarine.co.uk), but may not fit in a transport aircraft.

Would anyone care to come up with a requirements specification for such a fleet of vessels?

We would also like to offer design assistance to local boatbuilders. Our spe******ation is metal boat design, steel and aluminium plans and kits, and stability assesments. We note the earlier comments about local boats sometimes being unsafe. Perhaps we can offer some help here?

Yours faithfully

David Gray C.Eng MRINA
Director - Ace Marine Ltd

[D'ARTOIS]

Such a Vessel exists: it is made by Halmatic in the UK; it comes in two varieties
1 15 mtr
2 22 mtr

The 15 mtr VSV (very slender vessel) is originally designed for coastal patrol, police and customs-actions, fully transportable by road and aeroplane, powered by 3 x 600 hp Seateks and Arneson systems propulsion.
Speed approx 60 knots at all weather conditions - range 1000 nm

From the larger one I have no specs.

[Stephen Ditmore]

Munson Hammerhead is lisencing its designs & kits in Asia. See http://www.jerrysboatshow.com/viewpage.asp?id=136

For information on the Yamaha Corporation's activities in the region see http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/profile/omdo/index.html

I've said I'd be very interested in hearing from Yamaha's key people about how marine industry colleagues around the world can help. One such person is Maruhisa Ishii. See http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/profile/omdo/pioneer/index.html

Has anyone been in touch with Klaus Neven? Thanks for pointing this out D'Artois. Can we verify that Klaus is safe?

Is there a marina in Sumatra ready to receive, commission, & launch small craft, or to serve as a staging area or supply station?

I'd still like to know if the fishermen in Sumatra use kerosene or gasoline outboards. Apparently this is a cost issue. Even where kerosene is burned, gasoline is available, and is superior for low RPM operation. If someone is inclined to send reliable outboard motors, I'd say don't let this issue stop you. Do you agree, Gamage?

[D'ARTOIS]

For business reasons, I stay in regular touch with Klaus Neven from Promaritim, located in West-Sumatra.
During our communication I have learned that Mr Neven is a conscious and dependable contactperson with a very well developed knowledge of local boatbuilding, shipyards and available technology.
After the Tsunami disaster, I mailed him to express my concern about his safety which he replied that all was safe for him.
Yesterday I mailed him to ask him his opinion about the present siuation that he also replied the same day; that for business reasons he had to go to Singapore and that he would answer my query upon his return in a few days.

What I have learned sofar is that in the coastal areas of the particular countries the communication lines are destroyed, as electricity, telephone and therefore communications like e-mail etc. are put out of action.

All I can say is that if we need a very reliable and dependable contactperson there, In Sumatra, Indonesia, we should ask Mr Neven to help us in this respect when it comes to the supply of actual aid.

As you are all aware of, the international community of the US and Europe have amassed large sums of financial resourcesthat might come available to the ravaged countries in some time from now.
However, my experience of 20 years of negotiating contracts in Asia and Africa had made me a little bit careful if this will do any good to the people that are so hard hit by this disaster in the short term. If at all.

The amassed aid is in hands - or will come into - of politicians and well care organisations who have their own objectives and their own games to play with.

For the moment we don't know yet how this massive aid will be distributed, to which areas, and who will be responsible for the proper distribution. In my opinion, this will mean that it might take at least half a year to a year before some of the econimical aid will start, so nothing will come to the boatbuilders of the coastal areas right now.

If I understand Mr Gamage well, he says that if tourism will pick up in some time after now, there will be nothing for them to do in the sense of making boat trips etc. for the simple fact that there is no leisure craft left.
Why not helping him with his project?

In the course of this activity we might learn more about local conditions there and can help him to set up his own facility so there will be at least someone who will receive direct help from us and he in his turn will need local people to assist him and then - as a result - one activity is set on the rails.

That would be a beginning.

If this is an acceptable and practical idea, let us start with this. We are from all over the world, from Alaska to New Zealand and such a cooperation might benefit people who need it NOW and could do some good with it.

Your comments on this proposal are most welcome,

D'ARTOIS

[Stephen Ditmore]

Thanks, D'Artois. I don't have time to resond at length now, but I'm very happy that you're in touch with someone in the area, and that he's safe. I look forward to reading more.

Stephen

[gamage]

Dear D.Artois,

Thank you for your assistance .I am doing everything I can, at this end to keep this project at right course.

[Drjamesjones]

Dear Gamage,

I know of a boatbuilder that is also willing to help with the recovery efforts. He tells me that he is willing to donate a mold that will satisfy the 45-55ft inboard multy-day boat. Possibly, it may also be used for tourism since she is a coastguard certifed cat.

Good luck and God bless.

[gamage]

Thank you for your notice.may I get some pictcuers of this cat to justify how it works in our waters? You may reply to <anandagamage@yahoo.com>
Thank you sir once again

[gamage]

I will send you detail report of our boatbuilding history and present day activetes in Srilanka ASAP

[SeaMasterYachts]

SeaMaster Yachts of Ft Lauderdale can donate our 54’ semi -displacement Catamaran design to a qualified boat builder in the Tsunami affected regions.

The SeaMaster 54’ Catamaran is a fiberglass boat produced from female molds. Speeds to 28 knots, and ranges in excess of 3,000 miles are possible with various power options. Load carrying capacity at the drawn water line is 1,200 lbs per inch immersion. With a 21’ beam, open deck areas as large as 800 sq. feet are possible. Hull #1 is a 49 passenger USCG certified passenger-carrying vessel. Engineering and hull testing on this new
design has been done by a highly respected and experienced Naval Architect and Marine
Engineer. Existing designs include a 56’TrawlerCat, a Dive Boat, and a Sport Fishing boat. Details are available at Seamasteryachts.com.

SeaMaster Yachts can make available shop space and technical know- how to immediately fabricate a copy of the 11-piece production molds that would allow local production. We will also provide ongoing technical support to insure quality production.

Construction of hulls, deck, and simple superstructure from these molds requires approximately 950 hours and US$ 35,000 in materials. (No equipment.)

This project would require the donation of mold building materials, the labor expense of mold construction, shipment of the molds, and material for regional boatbuilders.

Construction of the 9-piece set of production molds for the hulls, weather deck and simple superstructure will require 6 –8 weeks and cost $130,000.

Any feedback is welcome.

Ed Masters
SeaMaster Yachts
Ft Lauderdale, FL

[gamage]

M/S Sea Master Yachts
Thank you sirs for your cooparation and asisstance, I will proceed this mattar with few boat builders in S/L

[Stephen Ditmore]

I'd like to respond to Alik's interest in standards with these links:
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/ebb/tech_10.html
http://www.nmsc.gov.au/
http://www.abyc.com/standards/purpose.cfm

I'd be interested to know what you adopt as teaching material. Please let us know if there's any other way we can be of service.

Gamage: FYI my neighborhood in New York, Riverdale, will be raising money to support the work of Action Against Hunger in the Batticaloa region of Sri Lanka.

[gamage]

We are in the process of evaluvating all infromation and assistance extended to us by the boatbuilding comminuty in this forum.leading raw material suppliears,boatbuilders,navel archi-tech,M.o.fisheres officials,experts in touarisam industry,and all kind of end users who may need our help at this movement ,policy makers and bankers we all are involving in this project.
please baer with us .no sooner we finalise all , I will infrome you sirs,
thank you once again
gamage

[Stephen Ditmore]

My information may be out-of-date, but when I was in Gujarat, India in 1984 gill netting was thought to be more friendly to fish populations than mechanized trawlers (which sweep up an assortment of sea life, and eggs, and damage sea beds).

Also, the rush to mechanize seemed to be driven in part by engine manufacturers. Do you think sailing fishing vessels would benefit from technical updates? Some seasons one might need outboards, but aren't the winds quite strong & steady at times in your part of the world?

Does Sri Lanka need ferries? For tourism, what do you think of dive excursion boats as a category? What do you make of Derek Kelsall's KSS method? www.kelsall.com (http://www.kelsall.com/)

[gamage]

Type of fishing trawlers use in Sri lanka
www.geocities.com/anandagamage/Eagle_55_fisherman_RC
www.geocities.com/anandagamage/BSM40Fishingboat.html
www.geocities.com/anandagamage/Eagle55fisherman

Most of 19ft day fishing boats with 15-25hp OBM beond repaierabale condition
Local manufactuaring cost about USD 1250-1500+OBM+Fishing gear
I will attach Photo to night

Regarding catamaran I have built catamaran in dubaiwww.geocities.com/anandagamage/catamaran35ft.html
using simpale vacum (composit) systam .up to now no commarcial grade cat avalabale in S/L.but , since coatal resorts are distroid due to Tsunami and relocation with newly established boundary line is not easy ,we have to introduce cat for them as a best option as well as for logistic and ourther transpotation activites, may be in male too?

[Stephen Ditmore]

If you're thinking large trawlers, here are some useful web sites:
http://www.baird.com.au/
http://boatdiesel.com/

I like these boats:
http://members.westnet.com.au/web/millman/

Technical developments worth following include Alustar Aluminum http://www.corusgroup-koblenz.com/english/products/shipbuilding/welding_alustar/inhalt.htm
and Common Rail Deisels, such as the Volvo Penta D4 and D6 (though these models may turn more RPMs than is optimum for a trawler).

I think the real issue is: what's the optimum boat for your fishery. I'd advise getting a business major who knows how to use a spreadsheet for optimization to run some variables - distance to the fishing grounds, typical catch, time at sea vs. in port, fuel costs at different operating speeds, time spent trawling vs. other activities, time spent chasing the fish. How does the mixed nature of the tropical catch make the economic equation different from coldwater fisheries, and how should this effect the design?

I'm a little surprised that the first and third hulls in your photos appear to be optimised for relatively high speeds. Does speed wind up being an important factor economically in your fishery? Could a boat that has a large payload stay at sea longer and do well, or would the fish spoil?

[gamage]

I agree with u on some points u have mentioned.As u have seen on mass media ,most of fishing trawlers grounded due to the tsunami are similer to my photos.which has built by one of the leading boatbuilder in Srilanka.and its is very common hull every boatyard in S/L.
If I recall my memory for two decads, white fish authority UK introduced 34 fishing trawler,ADB funded project introduced 32 trawler, UK funded project intoduced sand skipper catamaran, BOBP project introduced 32 fishing trawler Ect;
But choice of our local fishing community is vessels of round bottom displacment hull and hard chine vee bottom semi displacement hull ,which I have attached.
these vessel driven by single motor 65hp-110hp range and large vessel with twin 110-150 range engines
avarage endurance 10-14 dayes to reach fishing grounds and another 7-10 dayes for fishing oparation.manly for shark and tuna.
Qulity of fish not up to very high standerd in some vessels but for export market some fisherman oparating for tuna as well. u may visit srilanka/nara website for furthe infromation

[johnbkk]

I found your site by chance....... looking for info re boatbuilding for the tsunami affected areas.

The Panga, built in Mexico would be ideal for all of the countries affected.
If it was built to have foam insulation it would be best.

22' to 32' is the size of boat needed.

In Thailand they use old car engines and a long shaft prop, hence the name 'longtail',
outboards are rarely seen.

I don't know about sri lanka and indonesia but my guess is they would need a minimum of 25000 boats.

Any suggestions?
PS, I am not a boat builder but these people need urgent help to feed themselves.

[johnbkk]

This is one site I know of in Mexico, and you guys in the U.S could probably dig up more builders of Pangas.

This is the basic boat that could be produced quickly and economically with your collective knowledge.

It only draws 8" of water, and is virtually "unsinkable".

This is a design that most fishermen need, it is a basic fishing boat, the larger vessels you are discussing would be ideal, 6-12 months down the road.
Just my 2 baht :)
http://www.rainforestboats.com/gallery.htm

[seamonkey]

I was thinking the same as 'johnbkk'........"The Panga, built in Mexico would be ideal for all of the countries affected."

I would think that the first priority would be to focus on producing a large # of smaller fishboats to focus on the immediate need for the LOCAL fishery,,the bigger boats and export fishery can come later.-with this approach,,a lot more fishers could be affected positively quicker and cheaper.

It's pretty clear there's a strong boat industry in asia,,and the skills,,,so it would be best to provide work to people over there in building the boats,,and bolster that industry,,,,,,,,and focus on fundraising/sponsorship for materials,labor costs.(?)

[johnbkk]

Thanks SM.
an ungrateful Indo gov't....... "Indonesia gives foreign troops exit deadline"
after my gov't promised a billion $ in aid packages..... read on.....!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200501/s1280906.htm

Unfortunately we must take into account the politics in this region.

Aceh (the northern province) looks to be out of the loop for setting up a mini factory. Banda Aceh is the main town destroyed along with the northwest coastal areas.

Maybe Medan would be the best place to setup in Indo. It's reasonably stable, no ratbag Muslim separatists (so far) but miles from where the boats are needed.

Galle, in southern Sri Lanka and Phuket in southern Thailand are worth looking at.

Malaysia would be the best spot for all but you would then run into probs with duty and corruption in Indo & Thailand by exporting from Malaysia..

Does anyone have any links/contacts, to the inflatable workshops featured in the pix on the Mexican site for Pangas?

I am currently in Sydney until the end of March, if anyone would like me to make any phone calls to bbulders here, please email me or call +61 403 889 721
john

[gamage]

Thank u for u r mail.In few dayes I will informe all detils of this project to all forum members
gamage

[johnbkk]

Hi gamage, I did not send any mail to you.

I apologise if I have posted in the wrong thread.

There are 2 issues here.

You are discussing 90 day vessels
and I piped in about 1 day vessels.

ie; immediate needs!

Cheers.
john

[jdv_nl]

A colleague came up with a similar thought a few days after the tsunami struck. being in the composites industry, we are currently putting together a project with the goal:

building fishing boats locally, with local workers, 2-3 per day per building site.

using simple glassfiber technology, we would like to provide the technology/training and support to achieve that. we are currently in contact with international aid organisations in the Netherlands, talking to resin suppliers, glass supplier and outboard suppliers. a yacht designer has agreed to set up a hull shape approx 30 ft. we are also in the process of building moulds to ship to asia later. a lot has to be done to have the project working well. hope to achieve that.

all ideas and suggestions welcome, combining efforts from several initiatives could accelerate implementing the building and have the people fishing again as quickly as possible.


jeroen

[johnbkk]

Thanks jeroan.
Good idea.

If thinkinjg of setting up anything in Thailand, you will need work permits whether you work voluntarily or paid .

Let me know and I'll put you in touch with Farang experts in the WP field.... all legal and above board.

I can't help with Indon or Sri Lanka WPs.
cheers,
john

[gamage]

Dear Jdv
Now we are preparing a blueprint for this project with the government of S/L.we well come your proposal. Our web site we will launch soon.
Gamage

[Harm]

Dear all,

In your forum you talk about a so called 'Panga'. Anybody with pictures or drawings of this boat type?

Looking forward to your response.

Regards,
Harm (a collegue of Jeroen)

[Harm]

Ok, found some pictures on mentioned websites. Anybody knows where to get typical drawings?

Harm

[johnbkk]

There are some drawings at www.panga.com whether they have enough detail for you, I'm not sure.

I asked Steve from Rainforestboats.com to check out this thread but no news from him so far, he was a prolific poster and promoter of his website in other threads on this forum.... I just noticed that he hasn't posted since Oct, have sent an email to his factory again.

[gamage]

Dear Members of the forum ,
I hope still you are with us.Its bussy time here and take few dayes to clear all leagale matters. I am going to do this project very transparnce hence I will provide all leagle access to this mattar from your end too.
Please bear with me I will informe what are the mateIrals and assistance we are expecting you.to SRILANKA

[Stephen Ditmore]

Still here, Gamage. I'm hoping to put together a fact sheet for relief organizations and interested officials this weekend using information that has been provided to me by posters to these forums. I'd love to get some specifics on what your propose in time to include them.

Fair Winds,
Stephen

[D'ARTOIS]

Mr Gamage,

I am invited to attend a special meeting that will be organised by the Dutch help & care organisations that control yet a sum well in excess of Euro 145.000.000,=
brought along by the Dutch people.

At sofar, from what I could hear, reports are vague, not really to the point, ..... they have told to have given small credits (?) to local fishermen to by canoes

In my opinion, this is a bit short of what is expected to be done.

Could you give me your impression of what have been realised yet, because if there is any reason for carefull guidance to these organisations, I would like to help to push the affairs a little bit. It is clear that they have no knowledge of what is exactly needed and that their help is almost steerless by lack of up to the point information.
In this particular case I must request that you use clear language. These people (the welfare organisations) are sitting now on huge funds and they shall not very willingly separate from their recent accumulated wealth, so if indeed things are going not according to what it should be, please let me know in clear wording.
I do my utmost best - as all the people in this forum especially Mr Ditmore and friends - to push things direction Sri Lanka.

Sincere Regards,
Brien R. Gilroy

[gamage]

Dear Sirs,

Thank you for your responce. I understand your massage very clear. After this disaster administration system of the country focuses on many issues. So I have to clear one by one. According to the present data 1200 fishing trawlers and 8750 small boat distroed. Our Fishing community use to their traditional concept of boats they used. In my program I have three steps.
To manufacture and supply small boats (fast supply)+fishing gear+OBM
To repair as much as trawlers and put them in to water
To manufacture fishing trawlers. And replace and re-use any machinery in usable condition.
Long term project
To manufacture and supply catamaran for tourism industry and help them to function their industry, dispute of rebuilding same resorts far from beach (final location of building yet to be established by the government)

We are working hard to keep all in line with our objective. And I reiterate you, that befit of every dollar you are sending to us, I will pass to genuine victims.
This process may be slow but I hope u will understand difficulties we are experiencing to finalize this project
Please bear with us
Gamage

[catbaloo]

D'artois,
The care organisation you mention is correct in it's refrence to canoes.
I have holidayed in Sl twice and have taken photos of their boats. ( if you can give me an email address I will forward them to you.)
The fishermen who fish off the beach use a small outrigger type craft of various sizes.
The main hull is made of fibreglass and the outrigger float and X members are tree branches. The hull has a bulbous shape to it, and would be made in a split mould. The crew sit on thawts at gunwale height which is no more than 18 inches wide. The smallest boat has a crew of 2 and is paddled through the surf and fishes off the inshore reefs. The next size up has a lateen type sail and ventures further out to sea. The largest outrigger that I saw was about 25 ft and outboard driven. It had a crew of 6 and was moored in a harbour. I would imagine the next size up from that would be the multiday boats.
The only conventional type small boat I say where those that had glass bottoms and use to take tourists to the coral reefs.

Hope this helps.

[D'ARTOIS]

My E-mail address is: dartois@xs4all.nl - this is my prvate one.

You'll do me a favour mailing those pictures. There is an important meeting next week in The Hague and the organisation committee kindly invited me to attend.
I would like to show other parties what kind of canoes have been furnished.

Thanks in advance, catballoo,
D'Artois

[D'ARTOIS]

I have tried to contact Rainforest Boats, however no reply. I have asked them for a quotation, in order to provide the joint aid organisations with basic contacts. They have no idea about boats, save for a few maybe.
I believe you have the same experience.
The Panga therefore, might be a better choice.
D'Artois

[Seafish]

I have a 42 feet fishing vessel from the Canadian east coast. I might want to sell her to any tsunami victime fisherman. Any idea to how to go about this?

Thank you
Seafish.

[D'ARTOIS]

Even if you ask a moderate price for your vessel, the transport costs to the Far East kills any attempt in that direction. About 60.000 US$ from Rotterdam to
Ceylon and than we have not counted the transport Canada - Rotterdam - unless you find a shipping Co that will play ball and ship straight from Canada to the final destination.
In any case, can you transfer a picture to my e-mail? dartois@xs4all.nl
And, for what kind of fishing the boat is equipped? Bottom, or Pelagic? Looking at the Loa of your boat, you may have used for shallow waters, banks?

[Stephen Ditmore]

I wonder if Pascal Kainic at http://www.geodyssee.com/asie/asia.htm might be able to help facilitate such a transaction. (This organization was brought to our attention by Mr. Neven at http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6051&page=2.)

As I've mentioned previously, I spent some time in Western India fishing villages as a student in 1984. There were basically two types of vessels: partially dougout wood canoes and planked wood trawlers with hull shapes that somewhat resembled dhows. Deforestation was a problem, and for this reason some fiberglass canoes were being built locally on an experimental basis. The canoes were powered by kerosene outbords, with the Yamaha brand being favored. The "mechanized trawlers" were deisel powered.

The canoes were used for gillnetting, and the distinction is important environmentally. Bottom trawling in tropical waters brings in a huge variety of species in a very mixed catch, sweeps up fish eggs, destroys sea beds and disrupts coral formation. Gillnetting is based on the idea of sizing the net to catch only the species desired. (Drift nets, of course, are environmentally problematic, but I think we're talking about near-shore, stationary gill nets in this case).

At that time I was aware of a UN (possibly IFAD) sponsored program in Madras called the Bay of Bengal Project. Here's what I find on the web when I search on that name now:

http://www.oceansatlas.org/servlet/CDSServlet?status=ND0yMjI0LjIwNDAxJjY9ZW4mMzM9cHJvamVjdHMmMzc9aW5mbw~~
http://www.livelihoods.org/lessons/project_summaries/Coastal1_projsum.html
http://www.fao.org/documents/show_cdr.asp?url_file=/DOCREP/007/AD834E/AD834E00.HTM

Gamage: does all this sound correct to you? Are the kerosene Yamahas the favored OBMs in your area? Any word from Yamaha or others about financial participation in replacing fishermen's lost equipment? http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/globa...omdo/index.html

[D'ARTOIS]

The wrecked fishingboats I have seen on the photo's are tuna-hunters or similar. This is pole and line fishing, ecological justified and does not require any expensive and intensive use of purse-seiners. Their type of boat matches in many respects the Amercan Sportsfisher.

What has to be avoided is the massive deforestation that will probably happen if those small boats have to be replaced using the forests as resources for building material.

I would like to propose that we should offer the provision or re-provision of shipyards that can produce steel boats that will replace their destroyed boats.

I would like to know from Gamage et al if this is a proper idea or that it is not workable for specific reasons.

Please comment.

[catbaloo]

I mentioned in my mail to you that I thought the small ' off the beach ' outriggers would have been destroyed. They were the first line of defence.
Possibly that is why they don't appear in any photos.

All the boats that I saw including the multiday boats were made of GRP. I would be supprised if SL has a shipbuilding yard that could produce the number of replacement boats required in steel.

One must bear in mind that because of the Tsunami there are many unemployed. Setting up a GRP boatyard could serve two purposes, that of employment and replacing / repairing boats.

As to your concern of deforestation, why not change the design by replacing the timber X members and outrigger with GRP componemts.

Possibly Gamage has a breakdown of how many different catagories of boats there are in SL. This may just be a guestimate but it would put it in prospective, as the different boats fill different needs.

I would like to suggest that supplying materials be as high up the list as supplying replacement boats. As to how the material is accounted for, hopefully the charitable organisation that you are talking to has some experience in the matter of guarantees.

The following website is that of a local newspaper. I feel it gives an insight of what is actually happening in SL.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk

[gamage]

Dear Sirs,

1) steel boats were built in srilanka from late 50's until 70' for fishing. But completely removed and replaced with GRP hull.As at today only Colombo dock yard manufacturing steel boats for other purpose like tug boats.
*)High maintenance cost
*) low repair cost in case of damage
*) Main engine cost , Due to price of engine and fuel efficiency fisherman reluctant to use single 65HP to 90 HP range engines with GRP hull and very large quantity of fuel for longer endurance.
*)Production time of GRP hull much shorter than steel hull
*) These boats has large fish ho;d insulated with 6 inch Styrofoam and carrying lot of dry ice. Hence GRP has good insulation properties.

These are few reasons to select GRP hulls by our Fishing ppl.I know that concept,usage and this entire operation, is sometimes looks crazy comparing with European fishing trade. Our people use to it for many years.and difficult to change their way of thinking.We have no rich fishing grounds coastal area. They are sailing far in international waters.

Fisherman use 19ft -21feet range GRP canoes with out-riggers(GRP OR TIMBER) ,some Ara Theppam little bigger version with OBM and many kind of small traditional designs.(These crafts are blue prints of traditional timber canoes now doing out of GRP)
Small scale boat builders making this kind of craft .it is too early to give any comment whether they can cope up with this situation. But I believe they can.
What we have to focus on 19feet day fishing boats and trawlers because of lack of well established boat yards.That is why, NAVY is building day fishing boats.

Hope you may understand why I am tiring to set-up new boat building facility one in Colombo and one in southern province.which will be benefited for many years in many ways.I am expecting (temporary) government building to start them soon. And Hopefully I will get.

We have no intention to deprive anything from existing boatyards or small scale manufactures. But We(srilakan) have to use our experience and do something badly needed for the country at this time.dispute of business objectives
Hope you may agree with me.It is a giant force all members of the forum giving to us on humanitarian grounds in this difficult period and one day you all can come and see your self how great assistance you all have given
I always well come any clarifications or suggestions from your end

[D'ARTOIS]

Ok, Mr Gamage, your reply is clip and clear. And I can understand that the step from timber to GRP is more logic than from timber to steelbuilding.
Meanwhile, a Canadian gentleman, fisherman by profession, offered a boat that fits your requirements very well. (As I believe)
As I have seen on the pictures that have been sent to me, I saw that the small trawlers in Sri Lanka were fitted out with tuna-rigs.
Is tuna the spearpoint of fishing activities or are their other requirements as well. A tuna-hunter differs a lot from other fishing vessels.
Could you clear up this please?
I will mail some pictures that I received to you. If ok, let me know.

[gamage]

Dear Mr D'Artois

Did you receive my e-mail,Any comments from you sir?Awaiting for your reply and proposals

Thank you

[catbaloo]

D'artois,

Have you had your meeting with the charitable organisation?
Can you tell us of any of their decisions?

regards

[D'ARTOIS]

I have received your proposal and I will give you a reply next week. I came back this morning and I might have to ask you additional info before we go further into this issue.
I brought a few items as discussed in this thread under the general attention however, due to the massive response of the general population of Holland and the watchful eye of the media tuned on the substantial funds that are raised and paid out in cash to the assembled organisations, they are tremendously cautious to make any solid commitments.
In total in exess of Euro 160.000.000,= was donated by the Dutch Population of Holland to the assembly of Help-Organisations.

[donny_tedjo]

hi gamage;
It would be interesting to learned from you since the srilanka and indonesia have almost same problem in modernized the fisheries industry (i mean to make substainable fisheries industry).

If you have the traditional dugeon boat, since we are here have also almost the same models of boat catamarant.

So it was also happened here in Indonesia, most of us used wooden boat, but since the hard wood are to expensive and difficult to found, the fisherman got only bad boat that have lower economical lifes.
We have no also no Plywood / stich-and-glue technik in boat building, but also the problem is still the lack of skills of the carpenter it self.(the glue self probably is still costly material and also dificult to find on market)

But our the fisherman have quite strong believes on wood not on economical aspect of FRP Boat if they used it.
The problem:
1.. FRP repair in some region are too difficult since the raw material and skilled man.
2.. Some FRP boatbuilder produced the boat at high humidity condition/ not used appropriate resin-hardener in their laminating process.
3.. The hull design self mostly come without first prior calculation, they have adopt direct from wooden boatdesign.
4.. fibre cloths more likely from import, in could be problem when our rupiah self is not stable.

Hope could hear more from you.

Donny Tedjo
Here are some of our product that allready used in Nusatengara.

[gamage]

In Sri Lanka .The government initiated to promote GRP boat among fisherman. Under various subsidy scheams. With the assistance of foreign Countries.
If you tried to copy wooden hull to fiberglass without doing proper hydrostatic calculation. Definitely it will be a failure. And it will give a negative impact for the promotion of GRP vessel in your region. Therefor my advice is to import few proven boats and distribute between good fisherman and get their feed back. Becouse they are sometimes very sensitive and notice very impotent facts .

[donny_tedjo]

Probably you have misunderstod.
I'm also works for FRP-boat and our boat allready pass the hydrostatic test, but the fisherman just looking for the boat as same as what they normaly operated.

The fishermanboat in indonesia 60% were in class range 3-5GT with outboard engine.(see attch of our hull model - if your hull almost same with us??)
For economical operation should in class 30GT, but other side if they used it that means some of them might loose the jobs. :-)

How the subsidies look like? should the fisherman be a members of Co-operative or individu.
Most of our fisherman are not bankable, and also the boat self could not insurance (no Inssurance would cover it).
Quite complicated enought

thx

[wimal]

I am a new member from Sri lanka to this discussion. I am a mechancal engineer who has done specilisation in naval architecture for my Ph.D. in UK and presently working as a senior lecturer at University of Moratuwa. I have been producing drawings and hydrostatics calculation and inclining test for most of the boat builders. Here in sri lanka most of the boat builders are not techincally sound but who have learned from their fore farthers. However they have certain amount of sense of the shape of the hull for better performance. The quality of finish and fairing of the hull is not up to standard that because probably they may not able quantitify faring better than that. The other thing is that most of them do not make a mould from lines of a hull but copy an existing boat and then modify a bit to reflect the shape as his own version. Such modification may have sometime influenced the fairing and proper shape of the hull. Also most of boat builder do not know about influenced of the hull shape on hydrostatics particulars and KM of the hull.

When considering the FRP constructons most of the builder do not worry about gel time , humiditiy and neatness when laying mats. These are some of the inadequcies prevailing in boat yards. Although I have tried to make them aware of these problem they are not able to understand beyond a certain level because of their education.
On the other hand it is very difficult to change their mind by our advice.
Further most of the fisherman in SL looks for beamy boats so that they can catch more fish and they do not worry much about the quality of fishbecause of the price they get at the harbour. More the fish they are happy. This has made boat builder to built beamy and bulky boat that are not economical in fuel. Fishermen always try to get their boat builded at low cost without worring about quality. This also have made boat builders to limit their development and go for what the fishermen ask. I have tried to introduce refrigeration system to multi day boats and it was failed because they are not ready to spend that amount of money and would accept if the system is given on subsidy scheme.

After having undertood all these problems I have planed to commence FRP boat yard with two more partners. This planning was done before Tsunami and drawings and model have been completed months ago and at present we are in the process of building up infra-structure. I would welcome any advice and openions from expertise in this site

Thanks evey body
W.K.Wimalsiri

[Ssor]

Mr. Wimaslsiri, Please check with the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization representative in your region. They will be able to help you coordinate the most cost effective approach to this need.
Please feel free to Email me at ; nan-ross@starpower.net ,if you encounter any problems.
I have been most concerned about the loss of the fishing fleet and how if can be rebuilt and new crews can be trained.
The losses that have been experienced will take a long time to replace becauce the region has lost its expertise in the fisheries.
Ross Hill
Bel Air,Maryland
USA

[gamage]

Dear Members of the forum
Yesterday I sent detail report to one of the senior member of boat building net Tsunami victims fund organizing committee ,giving our long term plan and explaining how we are going to utilize your great humanitarian assistance, extended to srilankan people ,during our difficult time.
We are proposing to help people in two ways,short term project to provide vessels and assist them to start their normal life and long term plan to help kids who lost their parents as a result of Tsunami disaster.
We were looked at this matter in every point of view and came to our conclusions in the most effective manner.Hope you may understand why we spend nearly one month to come up with our plan
I always welcome your opinions, suggestions and hope to finalize all in few dyes
Thank you for your patients and thank you for your assistance extended to us
Gamage

[wimal]

Dear all members

My previous reply to the Boat building project was to explain the reality of the situation on boat builting in srilanka with my all experience of dealing with 90% of the builder that do not apply to all boat builders in srilanka. I mentioned that most of the boat builders. At this moment our responsibility is to assist all who effected by the Tsunami. Any project that would benifit srilankan fishermen as well as fishing community in the whole world would be highly appreciated. That is why I am also trying my self to start up a boat yard and contribute to the fishing community in sri lanka. My objective is to rectify the present problems in boat building and come out with better design that would fullfils cost effective quality product.

Wimalsiri

[Shamsheer]

i am urgently looking for a party to build fishing boats at a reasonable price. for design and further queries pls contact me

shamsheer.rilwan@gmail.com

[GraGra]

I am putting together a network here to assist with a boat-building project. I have access to a New Zealand design that might be suitable - simple to build with hand tools, and relatively inexpensive - construction plywood and galvanised fittings. Small amount of epoxy. Around 30 were built by some Aussies for East Timor in 2002 and there has been interest in other parts of the world. It's called the Clarence River Dory and some details can be found at http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz/plans/clarenceriverdory/index.htm
I'm looking to work with an agency just recently set up here in Sydney (Australia) for the purpose of assisting in Sri Lanka. I need some support there about the sort of boats used (in the case ours might be suitable), areas in need etc.
All the best
Graham

[Alianco]

Hi everyone,
I have just been put onto your forum and would like feedback on a project I am setting up here in Phuket. I have not plowed through all of the messages, but what I have read seems encouraging. I am looking at building an exact replica of a traditional timber longtail in GRP with inbuilt buoyancy and ballast. I hope to offer a safer boat to be used with the local longtail engines in the short term and create a junk-rigged sailing version with an outrigger and leeboard for tourism when it revives - my own experiences include large scale GRP work in theme parks and sailing. Also, I hope to promote more environmentally-friendly engine options as these are incorporated into the design.
I could go on at great length explaining what I am doing and the reasoning behind the ideas, but it would be easier to read the proposal I have written. To this end I would be happy to send a copy to anyone interested and gratefull for any feedback.
I posted a letter in the Bangkok Post some weeks ago and have had a lot of suggestions already, the majority of which have been positive and useful. A local boatbuilder is costing the mould and subsequent pulls so that I have some idea of funding needed.
Please send an e-mail to the address below and thanks for your time.

Dermot Doyle
empiricist@hotmail.com
Thai mob - 048416823

[im412]

my uninformed opinion would be the yamaha pangas designed in the '70's
from 14 to 30 foot to cover different needs
they seem to be the perfect choice to me

cheers jack [a very novice boater]

[Alianco]

Hi Jack,
Yes, I heard about the Yamaha boats. I understand that they offered moulds to anyone in the developing world who could prove a genuine interest. They took off well in Latin America among others, but not here. It is possible that the tsunami could be the motive power for change, but legislation here isn't enforced so illegal logging will continue to subsidise the timber boats, which they want. This is why I was looking at an exact copy to get around the natural conservative nature of the boatmen rather than a more modern design, no matter how much better developed.

Regards,

Dermot

[gamage]

Sunday, 20 February 2005

Features
Lament of the fisher folk : Ready, set.... where's the equipment? by Shanika Sriyananda W. Nimalsiri counting the days to go back to sea. Pic. by Srimath Indrajith Liyanage.
Vipula Dharme and several other fishermen stare at the sea, day in and day out, sitting by a damaged boat washed ashore by the tsunami waves. He does not know when he would go back to the sea to catch some fish. He has no boats, no fishing equipment and sees no help in the horizon. Being a fisherman for the past 30 years, he does not know any other way of earning money. And he is not alone. Many fishermen like Vipula in the Oruwadiya village in Rakawa are ready to go back to sea, though it took everything, the lives of their kith and kin, houses and their boats. Today they only own the foundation and the wooden planks of their houses. Living in tents with their toddlers, these fisher folk found shelter in the Rakawa school and the community hall, after the tsunami and have now been moved to tents. The unbearable heat seems nothing to these men who are thinking of ways and means of starting their careers anew. Wearing long sleeved shirts given by donors, they, the young and old, spend half of their day staring at the sea. The boats that survived the tsunami are said to be able to bring in only small fish like sprats, as the big nets have been damaged or washed away by the tsunami waves. The five hundred fisher families living in the Oruwadiya village owned over 103 big boats but the number has been reduced to eight after the tsunami. "We do not have boats or fishing nets to catch big fish like hurullas and balayas. All our fishing equipment have been washed away", says R.P. Sarath, who was engaged in selling lobsters. Double blow The tsunami has dealt a double blow to these fishermen, for apart from losing their livelihood as well as their property, houses and fishing equipments, they also lost the confidence people had in consuming fish. Now not only do they need fishing equipment, they also have to convince consumers that it is OK to start eating fish. "As people are still reluctant to eat fish, the price has dropped considerably. We sell the sprats at the village pola. Most villagers still do not eat fish after the tsunami as they have seen bodies laid along the beach", they claim. According to Sarath all the big nets in the houses and the small nets in their fishing huts (waadi) have been washed away and the remaining equipment is not enough to help them get on their feet. It is nearly two months since the tsunami occurred, but the wrecked sites remain with piles of uncleared rubble. The lives of the fisher folks too is full of desperation and uncertainty. "Government officials do little for us", they claim, adding that they are sick of filling forms given by the officers. Now depending on the government rations - 2 kilos of rice, one kilo of dhal and sugar each, the only alternative they have is to go back to sea. "We do not want to depend on the government. We want to earn a living", is the constant cry of these displaced persons. "If the NGOs did not help us we would die of starvation", says N.S. Thilakaratne. "We do not want any government relief. What we want is help to repair our boat engines. We want some new boats", are the common sentiments echoed by every fishermen not only in Oruwadiya but in all the areas of the coastline. According to these fisher folk, some boats have been repaired by Ceynor Foundation and several government officials have visited the area in air conditioned vehicles 'noted' down details of the damaged boats and the plight of these helpless fisher folk. "They visited us is true but nothing has been done to solve our problem. Even after nearly two months of the tsunami we are still filling forms and narrating horror filled incidences to the officials", they claim. They also claim that politicians who 'grabbed' their votes giving 'rosy' promises had come to 'see' them, but nothing has really been done to restore their lives to normalcy. " Politicians wearing blue, red, green and yellow came to see us. They listened to our grievances and gave us promises. But that was it", they claim. Vipula complains of further deterioration to their damaged engines as a result of keeping them unattended. " We do not have money to repair these boats. If the authority can repair these engines we can use these to go back to sea or else corrosion will soon set in due to the sea breeze", he says. The fishing villages in Modarawatta and Balapitiya have also been completely washed away. Seated in his tiny house, damaged and about to collapse, W. Nimalsiri says that the tsunami had destroyed the livelihood of the entire village, which had nearly 80 fishing crafts. "Today it has been reduced to five. We are absolutely helpless and depend solely on others. We have no way of earning a living nor can we think of a life", Nimalsiri, a father of five school going children complains. "Nearly two months have passed. We want to go back to the sea", he says. Some earned thousands a day before the tsunami. But today they depend on meagre daily earnings of Rs. 100 thanks to those who own undamaged boats. They share the daily catch with those who lost their boats and sell the stock at the village pola. "But selling is no easy task. If the government donates some boats it will be of much help", Nimalsiri says. The procedure Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ministry Secretary, N. Bambarawanage when contacted by the Sunday Observer claimed that the Ministry could not perform miracles to revamp the fisheries industry, which suffered heavy damage as a result of the tsunami, as the Ministry solely depends on allocations from the Treasury and the assistance of world donor agencies. According to Bambarawanage, the governments of Greece, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Korea and Italy have pledged their assistance to give new traditional crafts, while Korea and UK have agreed to send their used multi-day vessels to Sri Lanka. The country lost 194 traditional vessels while over 399 multi-day vessels, which need over 5,000 litres of diesel and high refrigerator facilities to spend one month in the sea, were partly destroyed by the tsunami waves. A total of 15,754 fishing vessels were completely damaged. The Chinese government had recently signed an MoU with the Treasury to re-build damaged fishing harbours, while the Italian government signed an MOU with the Fisheries Minister to supply boats and other fishing gear to the tsunami hit areas. "All activities of repairing and supplying boats and other equipment is now co-ordinated by the Ceynor Foundation Ltd (CFL) and all donations of new boats and fishing gear have to go through the CFL. The donors have to get registered with the CFL prior to the donation. Then the CFL will distribute the donation according to its assessment on the number of boats, the type of boats and fishing gear that each area need", he said. According to Bambarawanage, the Ministry has taken this decision as fish resources along the coastal belt is said to be depleting, due to over harvesting. The problem is further compounded by industrial pollutants, coral mining, adhoc construction of hotels and encroachment on the coastal belt. "Donating too many fishing crafts will aggravate the fish scarcity in the coastal belt", he said adding that the Ministry would replace all types of lost and damaged boats. Bambarawanage said that the Ministry needs further allocation from the FAO and the donor countries to supply fishing gear. "We know the plight of fisher folk but we need time to give new boats, repair the damaged boats and supply equipment. This will take a couple of months to bring the industry back to normal", he said.

[gamage]

Dear Members,
I am going to sign M,o.U with Cey Nor Foundation to commence production of fishing boat 30' (inboard engine) and canoes in the southern province of Sri Lanka.As a bigining I would like to know whether members of forum willing to share their cooperation with me. If so, in which form I can expect it. Inorder to incooperate everything together I appreciate your response to this matter in advance
Gamage

[donny_tedjo]

Here in Indonesia/ Surabaya have allready made stick-and-glue cannoe-boat.
The total cost only 2,5milion rupiahs/260 USD, lenght x width 4,6 x0,6 m.

The other design from FAO laminated boat were teribble, because they made very simply hulls/ flatt bottom :o , it was also used in Suamtra latter days before Tsunami.

Since the yamaha kattumaran model is look like traditional canoe, i would preffering you to see the model from http://mahasagarboats.com/canoes.htm it looks like quite durabel and simply in design.[they made in single skin methode and without frame/bulkhead)
You just put extra outrigger and it would be the real workhorse for your fisherman.

Happy surfing

[Schoonerman]

We think that the concept of boat building Aid is one with great merit ! I have read several proposals that address this problem of lost livelihood on the part of most of the coastal comunities in the region. Many suggest that providing boats and engines, the way to go. The question that seems to be unanswered is that of "what design" and "how fast" can you make them. We feel the answer to this question is kit based constuction.

Which leads us to the matter of where to assemble and "our" project enters the picture.

Our project is a 64m cargo ship, scheduled to depart for her first month in the region of North Sumatra. hppt://www.songlinecruises.com/wre.php

We feel that by loading our vessel with the necessary kit material and the appropriate carpentry equipment, the assembly can be done at anchor on site and operate as a fabrication training facility. This concept will provide needed jobs, interactive design and construction training to the local communities, that can have long term benefits for the local fisherman.

We are interested in seeing a project of this type come to fruission and we feel our vessel KLM Maruta Jaya 900 is the perfect platform for its implementation.

If you know of any interested parties, please feel free to contact me !

Robin Engel

[Schoonerman]

http://www.songlinecruises.com/wre.php

also see my tread post of today !

Robin Engel
Jakarta

[davidjgray]

Hi Chaps

An update from Ace Marine - we have been working in collaboration with Jordan Boats, and manufacturer of plywood kit boats. We are moving to prototype stage on a small and simple to construct plywood kit boat, capable of carrying up to 14 people or 1 tonne of cargo. It may be powered by outboard or paddles.
The idea is to supply the vessels in flat pack form. All tools, glues, screws, and paints are supplied. All parts are pre-cut to the exact size, and the vessel can be completed within two days. We think the cost will be around $2000 per kit. Instructions will be in pictogram form. (think IKEA). The design meets RCD, ISO and MCA standards.

We would be happy to receive comments or notes of interest.

Cheers

David Gray

[johnbkk]

Hi, if you are on location, SL , Aceh Banda or Phuket, can you tell us if you have seen any new boats delivered yet?
Cheers,
john

[johnbkk]

Hi D'ARTOIS,
still no resonse from Rainforest Boats, amazing isn't it!

I'm surprised and disappointed, but will remember Rainforest if friends need a new Panga......... not! :)

They could have helped and made a profit but seem to lazy to bother replying to ANY emails.

Oh well, maybe more luck with the guys at Explorer, Malaysia.

[johnbkk]

Why not just any fishing boat will do
21 February 2005, Rome - Donations of fishing equipment intended to help tsunami-affected countries rebuild their fisheries sectors could cause problems, rather than alleviate them, if they are not carefully matched to local conditions and need, says FAO.

"Our past experience in emergency situations is that duplicated assistance and inappropriate gifts, no matter how well-intended, can actually impede relief and rehabilitation efforts," notes the Organization's Fisheries Department on its website.

How donated gear can be a burden

Fishers in the region affected by the tsunami, like those elsewhere, use gear that is spe******ed to match local fish stocks, sea conditions and customs -- and equipment donated from overseas may not match their requirements.

Donated nets could easily be the wrong size, too heavy, or of the wrong mesh gauge. At the same time, repairs to gear not common to a region will be virtually impossible due to unfamiliarity with the equipment and a lack of replacement parts.

Similar considerations should be kept in mind regarding donations related to ice plants, refrigeration and fish processing. Here the appropriateness of the technology to local conditions and the availability of repair expertise and spare parts are crucial.

"Unfortunately it's not a worst case scenario that donated gear is of no use -- it's a common scenario," Ross Shotton, a Senior Fishery Resource Officer at FAO, explains.

The burden that such inadvertently inappropriate donations can place on governments, line agencies and relief organizations can be overwhelming.

Equipment has to be sorted upon arrival. Its exact use may not be known and it would need to be evaluated for safety and functionality and to see if it matches local standards. Repairs may be required. But authorities in many of the communities hit by the tsunami do not have the capacity to take on such work, and so donated gear would end up warehoused -- or simply thrown away.

Not just any boat will do

Similarly, only fishing boats that match local fishing customs, techniques and conditions will be of use.

For example, FAO recently received an offer of wooden-hulled craft made of soft pine -- but while suitable to cold waters in the north, in the warm tropics pine hulls would quickly decay. Boats there tend to be constructed of fibreglass or hardwood.

At the same time, FAO says that to the maximum extent possible local suppliers and craftsmen should be relied upon to reconstruct fishing fleets, while inappropriate boat and gear types could harm the environment, doing further damage to underwater habitats.

According to Mr Shotton, those interested in helping should consider sending money --- and targeting that money to a known requirement.

He cited one case in which a fisherman's association in Europe offered to fund the building of two boats by local craftsmen in a tsunami-affected country as an example of appropriate aid.

"They'll be doing it in the area, so: no shipping costs, local materials would be purchased, local employment is generated, and the fisherman will be used to the sort of boat that comes along," he explained.
-----------
edit: Let's hope they don't use timber to add to the profits of the forest Mafia.

[johnbkk]

Duplicated post. Sorry. :(

[meltoninterest]

does anyone know who might be interested in buying a good condition mold for 60-73 boats? AJs seablaster and other boats off this mold. appraised at 1.5 m2 will sell for 30 cents on dollar and include 50 mt travel lift. located in fl. don melton at 850 525 1587

[meltoninterest]

we have 1.5 m2 mold for sale in fl, ...for 30 cents on the dollar. will through in 50mt travel lift. AJs blaster and many others off this mold. located in fl. don melton at 850 525 1587. thanks

[gamage]

we have 1.5 m2 mold for sale in fl, ...for 30 cents on the dollar. will through in 50mt travel lift. AJs blaster and many others off this mold. located in fl. don melton at 850 525 1587. thanks

Pls send me detail offer to <anandagamage@yahoo.com> thks