Give the throttles a nudge and HM5
performs like a speed boat
instrumentation, the electronics consist of a Furuno NAVnet
3D GPS, plotter/sounder. VHF radio and an EPIRB for
communications – we understand that a radar is included in the
retrofit wish list. Visibility from the helm station is excellent, as
is manoeuvrability of the vessel at both slow and high speeds.
The outboards are positioned far enough apart to allow for low
speed tight area manoeuvrability – a must for a vessel of this
type. The reverse sheer forward windows assist in eliminating
glare to the helmsman while giving the added sense of space in
the wheelhouse.
Once on deck, we note the small Palfinger 1500 knuckle boom
crane and power winch on its protected plinth to starboard. This
grunty little crane punches above its weight with an 800kg lift
at 3m reach.
To be fitted when required is the LaMar bow surface oil
collector for working in oil spill recovery mode. The work deck
is large enough to carry six large portable tanks for oil recovery
work and is capable of containing in excess of six tonnes of the
offending pollution.
The bow ramp is controlled by a simple but practical trailer
boat winch on the port bow bulwarks, also fitted is a more
serious James Neilson capstan and 45lb Manson plough anchor.
On board there is a portable motorized pump suitable for a
variety of tasks, including the pumping of sinking small craft.
Although we suspect this pump has a more serious role to play
in marine pollution and oil recovery.
To trap the unwary at the entrance to the work deck and bow
ramp, there is a 100mm sill designed to give a 100mm bund
on the vessel when performing oil recovery, containing and
retaining any on board spills. All good stuff.
During sea trials the HM5, also colloquially named JLR in
remembrance and acknowledgement of our previous harbourmaster
the late John Lee-Richards, performed as was expected. She
handled exceptionally well at slow speed even when working in
the currents of the Tamaki River. Once at planing speed she was a
dream to handle and was just like any sports craft banking into the
turns and maintaining excellent stability at rest.
The twin Suzuki outboards enabled the vessel to attain a
service speed of 30 knots light ship, and fully laden down to her
maximum marks a respectable 11 knots. However, we found a
fuel efficient sweet spot at 4200rpm delivering a respectable 25
knots of which we feel will become the norm as the motors were
just purring at this mile consuming speed.
As our industry needs change, we have been seeing a number
of new small outboard powered barges entering service in a
variety of roles. HM5 is one of the larger ones we have reviewed
and given the intended role as a ready response multi-purpose,
do-anything-barge, we are confident that it will meet the
harbourmaster's intended needs as the new flag ship of his
small workboat fleet.
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
LOA
LOH
Beam
Draft
The hydraulic power pack
22
Professional Skipper September/October 2013
Design
Builder
Power
Displacement
Service speed
12.5m
11.2m
3.6m
350mm light ship
500mm laden
McMullen & Wing Design
McMullen & Wing Boat builders
Twin Suzuki DF200 V6 four stroke outboard motors
6.5t light ship 13t laden
30 knots light ship
www.skipper.co.nz
