up in rough seas with the seat providing a solid bolster to support aching backsides. There is room elsewhere for up to six passengers. The side windows open for ventilation and to allow the helmsman and navigator to direct operations from inside the vessel if necessary. The helmsman's steering wheel wouldn't look out of place on a bus, as we would expect it to be slightly more vertical. Coastguard specified manual hydraulic steering, which requires 6.5 turns lock-to-lock, but has more feel and control than power steering, so the wheel is placed to be easy to spin. Rescue Alpha's helmsman and navigator have just about
every electronic aid necessary to get to an emergency as efficiently as possible. The electronic suite is based around the Raymarine E-Series, with large multi-function displays and touch screens. It includes two 14in Hybrid Touch plotters, an HD digital 4kW radar. Two ICOM M-422 radios, Coastguard's TracPlus satellite tracking and AIS all help the crew find their waypoints and reach the emergency scene as quickly as possible. A large chilly bin for food and drink ensures those on
board won't go without during a mission. The aft deck is remarkably clear of gear or obstructions, so heli-op manoeuvres can be easily accomplished. Non- skid tread makes it easy for crew to maintain their footing. Four Century battery banks are carried on board, with
port and starboard starting banks, two batteries for the house bank and two for the electronics. The house and electronic banks are set up in parallel for added redundancy. The business end of the Rescue Alpha has twin Yamaha F250B outboards on 76mm shafts. They produce 185kW each to provide a sustained speed of 28 knots through the Hauraki Gulf's short, sharp chop and up to 42 knots at wide open throttle. "Auckland Coastguard was fantastic to work with.
They paid great attention to detail. For instance, the fire extinguishers have their own places in ideal positions in the cabin," says Cowan. "Little things like that often get left to the end." The Rescue Alpha has completed about 650 hours of
active service in the year since she was commissioned. She takes only three minutes to launch from Auckland Coastguard's base in Mechanics Bay, and her multi-function role means she is well equipped to deal with the myriad problems boaties in the gulf find themselves in, whatever the weather.
■
Length overall Length waterline Beam
Draught
Displacement (dry) Engines Power
Maximum speed Range Fuel
Electronic system Seating
Designer Builder
9.5m 7.7m 3.1m
600mm 3400kg
2 x Yamaha F250B outboards 2 x 185kW 42 knots 240 miles 650 litres
Raymarine E-Series Naiad sit/stand Naiad Design
Bluewater Boats VIPWB12P.WB WB1 WB NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012 75
Bluewater Boats are proud to supply Auckland Coastguard with Rescue Alpha
624 Swanson Rd, Swanson, Auckland, NZ. Ph/Fax 09 832 2170 bluewaterboatsltd@xtra.co.nz
Custom Aluminium Boat Builders & Designers True Bluewater Safe Boating
specifications
VIP.WB12
