BOAT BUILDING

Southland Times, Issue 19518, 18 May 1922, Page 5

BOAT BUILDING

TOO LARGE CRAFT BEING BUILT. SEVERAL NEW FEATURES. Something in the nature of a mild boom in boat building is at present taking place in Invercargill, at least two craft of unusual size being in the course of construction. One is being built by Mr A. J, Ball, and the other, probably the longest boat ever built in Invercargill, is being constructed by Mews C. 8. Trillo and T. Stirland, the former of whom, it may be recalled, built in 1903, tne first petrol launch on the Invercargill estuary. Mr Trillo’s present effort in this line is now nearing completion after nine months spent on it and it is expected that in another four or five weeks “'lbe Digger,” as it is called, will make its trial voyage. The vessel measures 45 feet over all and baa a beam of eleven feet three. It is the intention to use it in the fir-hing trade, also to cater for passenger traffic, and several features new to local waters in both connections have been introduced. For instance, the engine will not be driven by petrol but by gas converted from coal by a special contrivance fitted into the boat. It is Mr Trillo’s claim that this feature is very important from the aspect of economy and that a bag of Western District coal will provide sufficient power for a day’s cruising. Another unusual feature is the boats flare bows which it is held by modern seamen, besides giving more room in the stern, make for greater buoyancy in a craft. “The Digger” is to be elaborately fitted for passenger traffic, and there will be hunk accommodation in the cabin and engineroom for 18 people. A self starter battery will light the boat by electricity. An exceptionally powerful engine—3o h.p. —is being installed. The boat will carry a ketch rig. One of the novelties so far aa the use of “The Digger” for fishing is concerned will be the provision of an apparatus to enable the lines to be hauled in by engine power.