detail and the radar rpm increases as the radar is zoomed in. "This is critical in fog, as the image is refreshed at a much faster pace," said Ryan. Also fitted are two ICOM VHF radios so as to be able to monitor both channel 16 and 12 respectfully.
The main switch panels and nav controls are all easily to hand, with the main distribution panels under the dash bench. Positioned over the central front screen is a Solar Solve adjustable sunscreen protecting a double-glazed front window. In keeping with modern developing trends, the lighting throughout the vessel including navigation lights incorporates the new LED lighting systems.
Once underway we were not disappointed with either the handling or performance. Clearly Pine Harbour Ferries, now on their fourth vessel, have got the formula right. Her handling abilities in even the tightest of spots in the marina are without question. Once out of the gate and as the revs are applied she starts to quickly gain speed and somewhere around 15 to 18 knots she just pops out of the water as the foil kicks in and gives added lift. From here on in the ride becomes smooth as the speed quickly builds to her service speed of 28 knots at 1950rpm.
Keep pushing the handles down and on the calm day we were out on the water 40 knots was soon registering in quick smart time on the GPS. This was amazingly quick for this size of vessel, although empty we were not hard out.
Apply some helm and her response in the turns was quick and positive. Please do not ask the silly question of how quick can she stop. We are advised that for an emergency stop if the need ever arose, leave the throttles alone and just whack the buckets down in a two-second movement and she will stop in a little over a boat length. That's not something you would do unless in dire straits, because we would be guessing there would be a few bloody noses to clean up in the main cabin. But it was nice to know that even at high speeds when faced by some recreational loopy who has no idea of the rules, give way to the right or even that might is right, these vessels have some serious stopping power.
Pine Harbour is part of a success story in Auckland's water transport. With their service going from strength to strength, this is a clear example of where the local transport agencies give companies confidence in service contracts that enable them to commit to expensive new builds.
By doing so, the company has been able to develop a very modern fleet of fast, low-wash ferries. At a shade under $3 million, they do not come cheap, but they are New Zealand- built from a New Zealand design stable with a true Kiwi iconic
One of the enginerooms
Void bilge pump Port lazarette
waterjets and a large New Zealand content, making them a true example of New Zealand made.
Made to a quality with a capability that will not only match, but surpass any like vessel on the international market.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length 17.7m Beam 6.950m Draft
.8m at rest Power
Propulsion Genset Speed
Service speed
Twin Detroit 60 Series 825hp marine diesels Hamilton HJ403 water jets Kohler 20kVa 41 knots
28-30 knots
Passengers 99 Designer Builder
Teknicraft Design Q-West
Arataki
Clipper IV
ES8
Lady Elizabeth IV CREATORS OF CUSTOM ALUMINIUM PASSENGER FERRIES, FISHING VESSELS AND PLEASURE CRAFT VIP.S84 November/December 2011 Professional Skipper 13
