The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft, je
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river to sea had to be squeaky clean to get Maritime New Zealand approval. How do you provide the thrills while not risking the spills? We spoke to some returning passengers who were sporting the new wet look and designer hair, with grins from ear-to-ear. Fortunately we found some young visitors who had also done the South Island river experiences. They were unanimous in saying the river experience was fast, sharp and scary, and got their adrenalin flowing. And Auckland's Adventure Jet? "Fantastic!" Asked if they would do it again, the answer was, "Yes, we would like to go under the Harbour Bridge next time." That just about says it all. Clearly, you do not have to scare the wits out of people to give them the thrill of speed and jet sport action. Designed by Scott Robson and built by Kwikkraft, the Kwikkraft 7800 looks impressive. Painted in go-fast red with attractive graphics, the Adventure Jet is a smart looker. Aesthetically her lines are nice, from the stylish bow, with grandstand seating, rising to the smart aerofoil at the stern. The rules required the boat to be positively buoyant in case of swamping or roll-over and to be self-righting so she sits upright, to offer a safe haven until help or assistance arrives after an emergency flip. She is built of 5083 marine grade aluminum alloy to withstand the added stresses and forces of nature she can expect to endure in the marine environment. The hull bottom is 6mm plate and a 10mm keelson, while her bulkheads, framing girders and just about everything else is 4mm plate. Her twin supercharged Volvo 223kW (300hp) D4 turbocharged marine diesels, driving twin Hamilton HJ213 waterjets, sit snugly in a fully soundproofed space, where the engine roar is minimal on the passengers. Access to the engine bay is via a hatch under the foil, which gives good access to the jet units and the engines. She carries 400 litres of fuel, and 100 litres of water for washing the salt off between trips. Two life rings are mounted on the transom in keeping with the maritime rules. Diesels power the Adventure Jet because maritime rules restrict vessels powered by petrol or liquid petroleum gas, as used in the river jets, to 12 passengers and the risk of fire was a major consideration. "Our operating base is Pier 3 downtown in a highly public space and then out on the harbour on a busy waterway," says senior master Dean Kennedy. "Everything about our operation is safety first." The Adventure Jet is larger than her river sisters with a deeper entry, carrying a 16.5 degree vee aft. "We had to look at her whole business model," said designer Scott Robson. "Traditionally, marine jet boats are pigs if you try to use them as a tourist adventure craft. The ride has to be soft and the hull must be able to slide in safety and be fuel-efficient. "Waves and solid wind chop are the greatest obstacles at sea, so by using an S-bow entry with a moderate dead-rise we believe we have got the best of both worlds," says Scott. Adding depth to the hull restricts the ability of the boat to do Hamilton turns safely, because if the driver gets it wrong the boat may trip up on a wave with the risk of a rollover. So 360 degree Hamilton turns are out. "However, we do train our skippers to do a 180 degree version or a reverse spin. This, along with power stops Phone 03 313 3560 www.kwikkraft.com ■ Replacement tubes and repairs – any size/brand ■ Infl atable Tenders, RIBs & Fenders ■ Hypalon or Welded PVC ■ NZ Designed & Built ■ Contract manufacture sales@southernpacifi c.co.nz www.southernpacifi c.co.nz Ph: 09 309 9111 Fax: 09 309 9211 VIP.W12 PROUD MANUFACTURERS OF Auckland Adventure Jet MARINAIR TECHNOLOGY LIMITED 246 Coutts Street, Wellington International Airport, Wellington 6001 PO Box 441, Wellington 6001 VIP.S68 Ph 04 380 82 87, Fax 04 380 82 60, Email marinair@xtra.co.nz NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012 45 V S80VIP.