their new vessel would need to do. It was a worthwhile
exercise. As Craig says, "There's always someone out
there with a good idea."
The vessel they came up with was a new 8.1m
waterjet-powered ferry designed by Maxwell and Hall
and built by Profile Boats, constructed in marine alloy.
She is fully enclosed, with large windows or roll-up clear
plastic screens right around for viewing and bench seats
running lengthwise.
Passenger access is amidships on the port side, directly
behind the conning position. The interior is fully
lined in Frontrunner-style fabric with easy-wipe vinyl
seat squabs and a plain checker plate non-skid deck,
remembering most passengers are wearing walking or
tramping boots when they visit the park.
In keeping with river jetboats, the helm station is
part way for'ard on the port side, with hand and foot
throttle and bucket control on the right hand side.
Powered by a 75hp John Deere 4045DFM50 marine
diesel driving a Hamilton HJ212 waterjet, she is capable
of a top speed of 11 knots, although her operating speed
is around eight knots. The engine is fully enclosed in
its own insulated hush box to ensure passenger comfort
in the cabin. The main starter battery and access to the
fuel shut-off valves are mounted at the front end of the
engine bay under a small seat.
Shoal draft and manoeuvrability were two key
requirements besides offering a fully sheltered cabin. The
stern of the vessel under the arch is open, with soft
VIP.WB12
Large viewing wi
ndows
and solid side de
cks
