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
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/50909
Helmstation Bow loading half of the upper deck has a permanent hardtop overhead with side and front clear plastic screens, and a licensed bar. Another significant feature is the drop-down ramp in the middle of the foredeck. Operated remotely by a reversible winch, it has a flip-over extension to give an effective reach so passengers can step on or off a beach without the need for gumboots. An automatic Muir 1250 rope and chain anchor system complements the foredeck anchoring. Windage from the Wahine Moe's height and long cabin structure obviously presents a challenge when manoeuvring within confined spaces or at the wharf. So when berthing, a 5.6kW Vetus bowthruster is installed in the starboard hull, with the option of another in the port hull if required. So far this has not been deemed necessary, especially as the skipper has become more skilled at operat- ing in the strong currents that stream past Raglan Wharf. Out in the open waters and around the many sheltered inlets of the harbour, the twin 100hp four-stroke outboards can push the Wahine Moe at up to 11 knots if required. However, a more sedate five knots is the norm for comfortable, quiet cruising. At this speed the outboards consume a miserly 30 litres of petrol during a two-hour cruise or an overnighter. Her fuel tanks hold 300 litres a side, so refuelling can be planned every 10 days or so. Because the Wahine Moe operates in enclosed waters, the navigational electronics are minimal, with only a 6.4in plotter/sounder and a VHF radio. However, as befits a modern, multi-purpose boat, the sound system is nothing less than potent! This system will rock your socks off with its three zones, five amplifiers, 20 speakers and four sub-woofers for the bass. For the ultimate in night-time effects, four Aqualuma blue underwater lights illuminate the side of the boat, attract fish and provide a kaleidoscope of unforgettable images and activity. Dining area Now you can start to understand why the crew has a number of selected isolated safe anchorages in upper Raglan Harbour where they can leave guests to party into the wee hours. She may frequently settle on the shallows overnight to stay out of harm's way, not to mention the reach of the noise police. Charlie and Erin say many guests enjoy partying in some of New Zealand's scenic backwaters, away from the rush, while still enjoying rugby and other sport on satellite television. With the spa pool and extensive entertainment system on board, it was crucial that the Wahine Moe power has an adequate supply. The 12 volt system consists of a bank of six Endurance R220 batteries which can be charged via the 7kVa Westerbeke diesel genset, or shore power when alongside. Integrated into the system is a 3kVa Victron inverter/charger to supply AC current for minor usage. The genset will automatically kick in should the demand for power increase beyond the inverter supply. The business operation of this functional boat is planned to be a possible franchise package, as the Wahine Moe concept is already proving to be a potential winner. It clearly demonstrates that many struggling charter boat operations in New Zealand could be turned around with the right approach. ■ Construction Length Beam Draft Displacement (light ship) Engines Power Genset Designer Builder 5083 marine aluminium alloy 15m 4.95m 600mm 11,000kg 2 x Yamaha four-stroke outboards 2 x 100hp 7.5kVa Westerbeke diesel Kim Bertelsen Alloy Cats (NZ) Ltd "The world's leading inspection, vertifi cation, testing and certifi cation company" Marine Surveying, Design Approval and new SGS NEW ZEALAND LTD NATIONAL SHIPPING OFFICE: 17 Maurice Road, Penrose 1061 PO Box 13 518 Onehunga 1643, Auckland Ph: 0800 174 025, Fax: 09 636 6054 Email: nz.auckland.industrial@sgs.com www.nz.sgs.com Construction Survey, Cargo Surveying, Safe Ship Management, Equipment Inspection and Testing (including Radiography, Thickness and Crack Testing etc), Cranes, Lifting Equipment, Pipeline, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Design Verifi cation and Certifi cation, Water and General Laboratory Testing, Vibration and Oil Analyses. ISO 9001:2008, ISO 17925, ISO 17020:2000 OFFICES IN: Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru, Invercargill, Dunedin NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012 67 VIP.WB12 spec's