shooting through the hull. The 6kW Furuno radar delivers exceptional detail and the radar revs increase as the radar is zoomed in. "This is critical in fog, as the image is refreshed at a much faster pace," says Ryan. Two ICOM VHF radios are fitted so the skipper can monitor channel 12 and 16 simultaneously. The main switch panels and nav controls are all easily to hand, with the main distribution panels under the dash bench. Positioned over the central front screen is a Solar Solve adjustable sunscreen protecting a double-glazed front window. In keeping with modern developing trends, all the lighting, including the navigation lights, incorporates the new LED lighting systems. Once underway, we are impressed with her handling and performance. Pine Harbour Ferries has clearly got the formula right. Her handling in even the tightest spots in the marina is without question. Once out of the gate, the revs are applied and she quickly gains speed. She pops out of the water somewhere around 15 to 18 knots as the foil kicks in and gives added lift, and from there on the ride becomes smooth as she quickly accelerates to her service speed of 28 knots at 1950rpm. Keep pushing the handles down and 40 knots soon
registers on the GPS on the calm day we are out on the water. This is amazingly quick for this size of vessel, and although we were under light load we were not hard out.
Apply some helm and her response in the turns is quick and positive. The Clipper IV has some serious stopping power in an emergency. Should the need arise,
the skipper can leave the throttles alone and just whack the buckets down in a two-second movement to stop in a little over a boat length, although there may be a few bloody noses in the main cabin. Pine Harbour is part of a success story in Auckland's
water transport. With their service going from strength to strength, they provide a clear example of how local transport agencies can give companies confidence to enable them to commit to building expensive new vessels. By doing so, Pine Harbour Ferries has developed a
modern fleet of fast, low-wash ferries. At a shade under $3 million, the Clipper IV does not come cheap. But she is built and designed in New Zealand with iconic Kiwi waterjets and a large New Zealand content. She is made to a high standard that matches, if not surpasses, similar vessels on the international market. ■
Length 17.7m Beam 6.950m Draft
800mm at rest
Engines 2 x Detroit 60 Series 615kW marine diesels Propulsion Genset Speed
Hamilton HJ403 water jets Kohler 20kVa 41 knots
Service speed 28-30 knots
Passengers 99 Designer Builder
Teknicraft Design Q-West
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