LUXURIOUS VISITOR TO WHANGAREI

Northern Advocate, 26 January 1938, Page 12

LUXURIOUS VISITOR TO WHANGAREI

The most luxurious vessel seen in the Whangarei Harbour for a long time is lying alongside one of the jetties, near the Victoria Bridge. It is the bridge-decked motor yacht Strathmore, owned by Mr R. W. Butcher, of Hamilton, He and Mrs Butcher and a number of friends have been cruising in the North.

They left Tutukaka on Sunday morning, and cruised into their berthage at Whangarei. On the outward trip they reached Piercy Island in 12 hours from Auckland.

The vessel is 42ft, Cin. long, lift, beam, and has ample head-room. She is driven by twin Chrysler motors, housed under the floor of the wheelhouse, and controlled by twin rudders which give perfect handling and perfect steering on either one or both motors. Each motor is entirely separate, and if one goes wrong the other can be relied upon to perform service for both. Petrol Consumption. They are cooled by salt water and are each capable of producing 93 h.p. The petrol consumption is 'about four gallons of gas to the hour. The motors are started and controlled from the wheel-house in a manner similar to that of a motor-car.

Her electrical equipment is very complete. Electricity is first generated by the principal motors and stored in two banks of special marine batteries also housed under the floor of the wheel-house. The electricity generated in this way gives light, power for pumping, power for running a refrigerator, wireless set, suction fans, etc., etc. Unique Galley.

The galley is unique. II is situ'ated on one. side of the vessel, at the rear of the wheel-house, with the refrigerator on the opposite side. The galley is provided with a waterless cooker,' a system which gives every satisfaction. A suction fan operated by electricity keeps the galley sweet by expelling the impure air through the port. This system is no more costly than hatchways, but is a much more effective way of keeping the vessel free of fumes.

Fresh water and petrol are stored as low down in the vessel as possible, the capacity being 220 gallons of fresh water housed on either side of the engines under the floor of the deck-house, and 200 gallons of petrol housed aft.

There are three watertight bulkheads, and ample pumping-power when required. Sleeping Accommodation.

There is sleeping accommodation for a crew of nine, with conveniences in keeping with the rest of the vessel.

A hand-winch takes the place of the usual method of hauling up the anchor.

The whole vessel is the acme of comforli, convenience and/ safejty. Even the dinghy is raised and lowered by davits, the plant being equipped with a 1-cylinder motor. Tire Strathmore’s moorings are „at St. Mary’s Bay, Auckland, where she Was built by Mr R. Lang. The visitors will leave for Auckland either tonight or early tomorrow.