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Prototype Development & Trials
 
Our project is in the fortunate position of having access to the designs and development work that took years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars of donor funding. Every area has specific sea conditions and types of fishery that have evolved over decades so it is unlikely that the same designs will work here without modification.
Trials will generally fall into three categories:
Yard trials to test performance and sea-keeping using AMTC staff using power and sail.
Field trials with local fishermen to get feedback on the boat structure and design while fishing.
Field trials in remote locations to evaluate boats designed for specific areas or types of fishery.
Where possible Island Aid staff or volunteers will join these evaluation trips to record and document the trials. Consultation with fishermen's associations and co-operatives is critical to the process of design and development of new designs and their ultimate acceptance by tradition bound fisherman. As far as possible, fishermen from each target community will be invited to meet with AMTC consultants and designers to discuss the specific issues that have resulted in the boat designs and power options that have, until the recent fuel price increases, determined boat design and choice of power train.
Markets and opportunities for fishing communities in our area of concern vary enormously. Some areas have seen drastic declines in prices paid to producers as transport costs rise. The sudden influx of aid workers and government projects in a few locations have opened up new markets and job opportunities for fishermen but many of these changes are transitory. Our belief is that strong low cost fuel efficient boats will always be in demand regardless of market forces.

40hp kerosene powered "speedboat" at Pulau Raya was being funded by NGOs to move IDPs and supplies between Lamno and Lho Kruet. This design is specific to the area.
Pulau Raya fishers using a paddle powered dugout donated by Island Aid. This one boat was able to catch enough fish to feed the 5 families at the Eastern settlement. This design is universal along the west coast