Description

Progress, Volume VI, Issue 12, 2 October 1911, Page 851

Description

The "Ngaru" was built and designed by Logan Brothers, who are probably the best jlicht builders in the Southern Hemisphere, and no expense was spared in her construction to make her thoroughly staunch and seaworthy, while due regard was had for designing at the same time a beautiful and easily driven vessel. The hull is built with diagonal and fore and aft skins of heart of kauri. The stringers, of which there are an ample number, and the decking and deck beams, are of the same faithful timber, which, given ordinary care, will be in as good condition in thirty years as it is now. The stem is from a natural grown crook of Pohutukawa. and grown crooks have been fitted at every point where strength is needed and consistent with the best naval practice, "Ngaru" is copper fastened throughout, and is perfectly sound and tight. She has numerous cruises to her credit, since she came down from Auckland shortly after she was built, and everyone who has cruised in her in heavy weather is enthusiastic as to her seagoing abilities, while her ample deck space and commodious cabins make her an ideal vessel for entertaining a party in fine weather. The name of her engine, Jersey Standard, stands for all that is best in high-grade heavy duty marine engines. The Jersey is about the highest priced American marine engine, and has shown itself to be the most enduring. Last year, Berneyo won the 1100 mile Philadelphia to Habana Race with a 25 h.p. Elmo 11., with a 12 h.p. won the New York to Marblehead, New York-Block Island and New York-Albany Races, and to come nearer home Glengarry, with a 12 h.p., won the Sydney to Newcastle Race. Higher testimonials" than these for speed, reliability and service cannot be shown for any make of engine, and " Ngaru V is one of these famous machines. It is only a little over two years old, and has had the very best of care and attention, as the late Mr. Thorp was a skilled and careful engineer. The test card shows 21 horse power developed

at 300 revolutions. At a pinch the revolutions could quite safely be speeded up to 350, with an approximate increase of power to 25 h p. ' Nguru ' exact speed cannot be given, as she has never been hard pressed, but it would he somewhere in the neighbourhood of 10 knots under full power and sail. She is very powerful on the end of a towline, and has towed a hundred foot schooner of about 200 tons nearly seven statute miles per hour in smooth water, 5 ; The inventory is most complete, and has always been well maintained. It comprises: 8foot dinghy, oars and rowlocks, 3 anchors and chain cables, and warps, foresail, mainsail and mizzen, running and standing year, windlass and steering gear, and all the other accessories above and below decks usually found in a boat

of this class. There are two comfortable cabins, separate from the engine-room, which is situated below the bridge deck. The man at the wheel up on the bridge has an uninterrupted view all round the horizon, and is above any heavy seas which may be shipped in bad weather, at the same time having the engine under his control. Her draught is now probably slightly less than that shown in the Eegister, as Mr. Thorp made some alteration in her trim. While she is suited to almost any kind of • service where extreme light draft is not essential, "Ngaru" is particularly well suited for Cook's Strait and cruising in the Sounds. Her powerful engine would drive her with the greatest ease against :.he strongest tides experienced in this locality.