Thundercat: Unique Downunder
Unique in Australia and one of only a handful of inflatable manufacturers in the world, Thundercat Inflatables established in 1994 at situated at West Burleigh on the Gold Coast is ideally located in the thick of its main market, surf rescue.
'95% of Thundercat business is Surf Life Saving.'
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According to Doug Rankin, manager and manufacturer, while surf rescue boats are the company's major focus, they can build any inflatable for anybody, yachts, racing boats or any other purpose.
But it's all a matter of time.
With a workforce of just four, Thundercat makes around 35 boats per year, each consuming 110 man hours per boat. The cost per boat to Surf Life Saving is $10,500 + GST. The cost for other people depends on their specifications.
"95% of our business is taken up with Surf Life Saving," adds Rob Thomas, proprietor and founder. "We just don't have much time left for other jobs."
Saying that, Thundercat relishes work for private clients, customized to each client's specifications. "They're not going to want a Clubby boat, so we build to suit each person."
According to the company, the Arancia 377 is "the pinnacle of surf rescue craft". With the risk management strategies imposed by Surf Lifesaving Australia to reduce injury to drivers, Thundercat Inflatables has designed from the ground up a 3.79m Catamaran Hull round-nose concept surf rescue inflatable.
Designed to be used with low horsepower with a prop guard and emphasis being placed on crew safety and comfort, this craft has set a new standard in surf-rescue operations.
Every item has been created with absolute attention to detail and built with meticulous precision and consistency.
Craft are manufactured in humidity controlled rooms ensuring consistent adhesion temperatures and air moisture content.
Thundercat also produces boats for the inflatable racing circuit. There are about 30 boats competing in the Nationals and then many other crews whose activity is limited to social days.
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Rob Thomas was trained as a sail maker and rigger. Part of that was making life rafts for yachts.
He gained his experience in South Africa and the UK, then returned to Australia and started building inflatables for yachts. "Surf Life Saving approached us about making boats for them, and that's how it took off."
It's a very costly process, according to Rankin. "There's the skilled labour which you can't do without and because our materials and workmanship are superior, it's hard to compete with cheap imports and labour rates around the world."
Japan produces a brand that has a lifespan of around 10 years, compared to Thundercat boats that last twice as long. "The oldest boats we know of are around eight years old, but we have confidence they will be around for at least 20 years," says Rankin.
Thundercat boats are made from "hypalon" a rubber material imported from Italy, which adds to the cost. Fortunately, durability doesn't mean the market for inflatables dries up.
"Surf Clubs keep renewing their boats. They don't throw them out, they replace them with newer boats for active service and use the older ones for training and other activities." 
So far, the company has not considered exporting. "It's just too hard," affirms Rankin. "There's too much competition overseas. You just can't compete with cheaper brands and it would mean a lot of outlay to get to the international shows and meet distributors and customers."
More at www.midcoastmarine.com.au/thundercats.php
by Jeni Bone 
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nedlands, WA
