Super Cruiser is pride of fleet

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33773, 20 February 1975, Page 7

Super Cruiser is pride of fleet

A new powerboat, designed and built in Christchurch, will attempt to make the first crossing of the Tasman Sea in the next few days. The craft is the command bridge cruiser, Cresta Galaxy, which is expected to be one of the biggest mass produced cabin cruisers in the South

Island. It is 26ft 3in long and has a beam of Bft 2in. During the Tasman crossing, the craft will be crewed by Brian Pearce (Gore) and E. Mills (Bluff). The Galaxy was designed by Mr Don Killner, of Cresta Craft, Ltd. The actual boat which will attempt the Tasman crossing is the second Galaxy to

come off the production line. SEA TRIALS

The prototype underwent trials in the Marlborough Sounds earlier this year. Powered by twin 140 h.p. Mercruiser stern drive engines with power trims, the V-26 Galaxy reached a top speed of 34 miles an hour. Mr Killner said his firm hoped to produce a Galaxy every five or six weeks. Already, order filling seven months have been made and inquiries have been received from two overseas countries.

Although final costs have yet to be worked out, the boat is expected to sell for about $23,000.

During the test drive in the Sounds, the boat maintained a smooth, even ride in a close, steep chop. Tight turns taken at speed were done comfortably and safely. The Galaxy maintained a speed of 20 miles an hour in a close 10ft sea and 25 miles an hour in a similar cross sea for 15 miles down the rugged coast of D’Urville Island.

HULL CONSTRUCTION The hull is constructed of gun-laid fibreglass backed with heavy woven rovings. It has larch underframes and floor sections glassed in to form six individual buoyancy compartments.

The interlocking sections were glassed together to form one piece from stem to stern, and hull to command bridge. This and the

twin bulkheads give exceptional strength.

The forward cabin has a headroom of 4ft lOin and the saloon has 6ft 3in. The craft has sleeping accommodation for four pet’Sons (two single beds and one double), and the berths are equipped with sin thick foam squabs. The dining alcove has a table and storage lockers. The galley comprises a stove, sink, running water, storage room and racks. A shower is in a separate compartment and is accompanied by towei rails and a mirror.

Seating is provided in the forward cabin, saloon, outer cockpit and command bridge. Storage space is provided for an anchdr and rope and there are underberth lockers and storage pockets throughout the craft. COMMAND BRIDGE

The boat is controlled from the command bridge, although twin station control is optional. Hydraulic trim tabs, a bilge blower and automatic bilge pump are fitted.

The craft is equipped with navigation, running and headlights (to make it easier berthing in the dark). Inside lights are of a transistorised fluorescent type. Optional extras are canopies for the command bridge and stern decking. A fish box is bulit into the stern decking. The trailer has four wheels, with hydraulic disc brakes, and is fitted with a power winch.