Bryan and Jim knew the vessel would be primarily
motor driven, but the capacity for sail power would save
on fuel, it would be a genuine nod to the eco-tourism
market, and it could provide the thrill of sailing to really
add value to guests' tourism experience.
They designed a 30m steel motorsailer with hosteltype accommodation in the area traditionally used for
cargo space, with shared bathrooms and they made
efficiencies in build and operation wherever possible.
Then they built models of the concept and tested them
in the Waiau River to check for inherent flaws that had
plagued many historic scows.
The hull was started at JK Stevenson's heavy
engineering workshop in Invercargill and the bare hull
was transported to the company's maintenance shed at
Bluff Island Harbour. The fit-out was kept basic with
extensive use of plywood partitions while retaining the
steel bulkheads.
The Milford Wanderer was being built to meet
prospective clientele on a beer budget and there was
no room for fat as the bills mounted. But the ship was
not being built cheaply, just conservatively – waste not,
want not – in keeping with the founders, Les and Olive
Hutchins' beliefs. For example, the main engines were
spares the company had available in stock.
The vessel was launched for Real Journeys in October
1992, and christened the Milford Wanderer. She went into
service in Milford Sound, offering nature cruises during
the day and overnight stays in Harrison Cove.
Later on, Discovery Cruises, including five to sevenday cruises in the southern fiords and six-day cruises
around Stewart Island were added to her winter schedule.
The investment paid off and the Milford Wanderer
became one of the hardest working and most versatile
vessels in the company. She is also one of the most
beloved, and most photographed vessels in Milford
Sound. She remained virtually unchanged for the
following 18 years, apart from the addition of a new
platform for launching and retrieving kayaks.
In 2010, 19 years after her construction, Real Journeys
was told the vessel's bilge and fresh water lines required
replacement. Most of her interior would need to be
removed to do this and the decision was made to
upgrade the interior to meet the higher expectations
their market now demanded. The refit was undertaken
by Q-West and Interiors by Innovation who were
brought in early to make sure the Milford Wanderer would
fit into their building in Whanganui, and to provide
feedback of the planned refit.
Milford Wanderer had a capacity of 60 overnight
EXPERIENCE
KNOWLEDGE
EXPERTISE
Contact Dave Shaw
regarding servicing
or engine power.
"We can offer a 2000 hour warranty on re-manufactured
Gardner Engines on approved installation."
NEW ZEALAND
DISTRIBUTOR FOR GARDNER
AND LISTER ENGINES
Lister Marine range 20hp – 55hp
VIP.S90
Up on top sides
Shaw Diesels Ltd, 13a Douglas Alexander Parade,
Albany, Auckland, New Zealand.
Ph: +64 9 414 7360 Fax: +64 9 414 7365
www.shawdiesels.co.nz
NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2013
55
