separate system to flush the toilets so there is adequate fresh water during the longer Discovery Cruises. Fresh water is used on the shorter cruises, eliminating the traditional bad smells that can develop with dying plankton contained in the water when pumped into the system.
All the waste water is gravity-fed into holding tanks for pumping to the main blackwater tank during day-running mode. The shower, heads and toilets were carefully selected to minimise water usage and subsequent holding in tanks. When the old linings were removed, engineers were able to ascertain the damage that 19 years had created to the inside of the hull. Several areas required blasting and painting, but other than this the hull was in remarkable condition, which bears testament to the efforts by Jim's construction team during the initial build. Much of the inside of the hull was left completely untouched and the exterior was completely repainted to bring the finish up to the level of a new boat.
All of the machinery on board was in good running order due to Real Journeys' extensive maintenance and service programme. However, the refit provided the opportunity to reset the four-yearly survey cycle, so all of the machinery and plant, including the shafts, were inspected, tested and serviced. Part of the key requirements for this refit was that the Milford
Wanderer had to be pulled out of service, and given the tight time frame before the start of the new summer season in Milford, the pressure was on the contractors to complete the job within the stated time. To this end, Real Journeys reports that Q-West and all the contractors worked extremely hard within tight deadlines to get her back into service. The level of the fitout and finish is high, similar to what you would find on a superyacht. The refit had some surprising side effects, with her weight being reduced by around one tonne. Her masters have commented on how well she is handling, and while her interior changes were major, externally the boat looks much the same to the untrained eye. The Milford Wanderer is now much quieter than before and there is less vibration in the hull in a seaway or when going over large waves on coastal voyages. Her new layout includes cabin doors to muffle the internal noises of the night. Real Journeys is proud of the Milford Wanderer and the company says it has had positive feedback about her since the refit, saying the difference is like night and day. In fact, Real Journeys says it has already had to double the number of Discovery cruises during the winter to cater for renewed demand. From a traveller's perspective the general feeling is thumbs up to what is in effect the rebirth of a popular vessel to meet Milford Sound's growing tourism needs into the next decade.
Underway in the Sounds SPECIFICATIONS
Length 28.5m Beam 8.4m Draft 1.65m Rig ketch Sails
Maximum displacement Engines
Cruising speed Daytime capacity Overnight capacity
The deck layout with twin walk says
fore and aft, jib and flying jib 170 tonnes
2 x 50 Series MTU diesels 9.5 knots
120 passengers 36 passengers
Arataki
Lady Elizabeth IV
Mararoa I
Wanderer CREATORS OF CUSTOM ALUMINIUM PASSENGER FERRIES, FISHING VESSELS AND PLEASURE CRAFT VIP.S85 January/February 2012 Professional Skipper 15
