Launch Improves Speed

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31205, 1 November 1966, Page 1

Launch Improves Speed

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Oct. 31. The new fisheries protection launch Ohorere may be accepted by the Marine Department in the next few days after achieving 20} knots during sea trials today. She was originally due for delivery in November last year, but failed to achieve her designed speed of 20 knots. The craft was launched at

midday today at the yard of. her builders, P. Vos, Ltd., after trim tabs were fitted to achieve greater hull lift and speed. The Marine Department required a speed of 20 knots before accepting the 55-foot launch. In six runs over a nautical mile the Ohorere averaged 19.86 knots and made a best run of 20} knots. Two surveyors for the department told Mr Vos they were satisfied with the performance. The district surveyor of ships for the department, Mr

A. Wall, said that a report would be sent to Wellington and the craft would be accepted subject to official confirmation. Mr Vos said it was a hippy day for the builders. There had been considerable trouble with the Ohorere’s engines, and one engine had to be replaced. A late delivery penalty of £3200 had accrued. A marine surveyor in charge of the trials, Captain W. J. Keane, said that the trim tabs had not only boosted the top speed by 2} knots, but had considerably improved her handling.