Brigadier Pearson - Loch Lomond

Brigadier Pearson was the first of a number of high-profile launches for Redbay Boats in the fortnight leading up to Easter. The Stormforce 11 RIB was built for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, to act as a combined Patrol and Workboat on the Loch. After winning the contract to build the highly specialized RIB, Redbay Boats successfully built one of our most complex RIBs ever and delivered it on time.

The combined role of Patrol and Workboat meant that some one-off design features and innovation had to be employed in order to meet the multiple roles of the RIB. Eventually the 11m Explorer Cabin design was chosen, but the aft breather boxes had to be partially removed during moulding to ensure that a large, clear open deck was provided. One of the duties of the RIB will be for servicing buoys, and as such the craft has been geared up around this role. Two heavy duty stainless steel rollers have been fitted to the stern of the RIB, along with a deck mounted winch, that allows the hefty buoys to be winched straight up unto the deck over the stern of the RIB. In addition, the working deck has been reinforced and fitted with aluminum plating.

That's not all though. To aid towing and external duties, an additional helm position has been fitted at the aft end of the cabin. The elevated position has been fitted with it's own console and engine controls. On the console, additional emergency indicator units and a comms mic have been fitted. For security, a wrap around stainless steel frame was fitted to ensure safety for longer external operations.

With the additional working requirements of the craft, Brigadier Pearson has been fitted with all necessary lighting on a light mast. For patrol duties the RIB has been also fitted with a blue flashing light bar and siren.

Internally, Brigadier Pearson features a bespoke internal fitout, again necessary to meet the mulit-role requirements. In the bow the RIB has been fitted with the standard double berth. In the main cabin, the standard console has been fitted and both this and the overhead console have been fitted with extensive electronics (see later). Seating consists of 3 KAB suspension seats, a double High Back comfort seat, and a large side bench seat on the port side. On the starboard side however, both a galley and a full standing toilet/shower cubicle have been fitted. The galley has been fitted with a twin gas hob, sink, microwave and fridge. Hot water is provided by a calorifer fitted in a further large crawl space that is below the aft deck, forward of the engine bay. The interior has been finished of with custom cherry wood paneling.

Electrical fitout has to be one of the most complete lists ever built by Redbay and includes:

Posted:12th April 2007