Craig says the teething issues have been too minor
to mention and he has found her to be a very reliable, which
is absolutely essential in a high-end service industry.
Capable John Deere power
Ease of access to
battery and tank bits
roll-up clear screens to allow airflow from two skylight
hatches for'ard.
A sturdy duckboard across the transom protects the
water jet below and is a friendly place if the crew need
to clear river debris that may be fouling the jet unit.
Some very substantial rubber fendering, reminiscent of
a bumper boat, is secured around the exterior of the hull.
With frequent berthing and varying levels of river flow,
this solid fender system is a smart idea.
Because most visitors are free or independent travellers,
the ferry is operated on demand during the day, taking
The Engine Room LTD
up to 27 passengers per trip. She works every day and in
peak periods can do 70-80 trips a day. She has already
done around 1200 hours so far: a lot for a ferry that only
has to cover 250 metres a trip.
Passenger feedback is excellent and the Gibsons are
getting very favourable feedback from visitors. These are
general comments on the great all round visibility the large
windows offer of the river on the way across to the thermal
park, and the general comfort of this tidy little vessel.
Craig says the teething issues have been too minor to
mention and he has found her to be a very reliable, which
is absolutely essential in a high-end service industry.
All that thought and brainpower that went into
planning their new little ferry has been well spent. Craig
and Pip are very happy with how she has performed and
if the visitors' comments are anything to go by, she's a
total success all round.
■
spec's
VIP.WB12
NORTH ISLAND DEALERS FOR:
Under the duckboard
Ph: 09 480 2248 • Fax: 09 480 2258 • Email: theengineroom@xtra.co.nz
34 Enterprise St, Birkenhead, Auckland.
34
NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2013
Length overall
Beam
Draft
Engines
Propulsion
Power
Service speed
Designer
Builder
Price
8.1m
2.9m
500mm
John Deere 4045DFM50 marine diesel
Hamilton HJ212 waterjet
75hp
8.5 knots
Maxwell and Hall
Profile Boats
$170,000
