The Ensign 360 Attack (pictured) was the first craft to reach Australian shores and was launched by The Haines Group at the boat's debut at the Melbourne Boat Show in July.

The Ensign range, said Haines, is virtually indestructible and unsinkable, with selected models being subjected to rigorous testing, including being driven over by heavy vehicles, rammed into jetties, hauled over jagged rocks, and towed across bitumen and concrete on the bare hull.

Ensign vessels are rotationally moulded and foam filled from recyclable and environmentally friendly materials with added UV stabilisers to prevent ageing through weather extremes.

The Ensign range is made from the same Polyethylene thermoplastic used in bulletproof vests, with the vessels positively buoyant and impervious to osmosis and corrosion.

The Polyethylene structure eliminates the need for anti-fouling and superficial scratches can be removed with the application of heat.

Most importantly for boat enthusiasts says Haines, is the pontoon style hull design which ensures an unrivalled quiet and soft ride, whatever the application; from dinghies, centre console, fisherman, sport, and runabout models.

The range of cost effective, high quality and hard-wearing boats have been in production for more than twenty years, and tested in adverse conditions by recreational users, government departments and pearl divers.

Haines said the strength and durability of the Ensign range makes them particularly popular in harsh operating conditions where a tough, low-to-no maintenance boat is required to perform under extreme conditions.

With exceptional stability and ease of entry and exit, the Ensign range is designed with leisure boat, workboat, resort and hire applications in mind, said Haines.

Ensign boats are built to marine survey, US Coast Guard and CE certification standards, and are now available at marine dealerships across the country.

The Haines Group said the addition of Ensign boats complements its extensive line-up of quality products offered, including Signature and Haines Traveler fibreglass boats, Suzuki outboards and Nautique world record tow boats.

For more information, phone (07) 3271 4400, or visit www.thehainesgroup.com