Versatile 15m Research Vessel

Versatile 15m Research Vessel built 2002 by Qualicraft in New Zealand of strip plank timber with triaxial E-glass, which has resulted in a well proven, relatively fast, multi-purpose workboat with large aft deck, easy access to the water and accommodation facilities for six, plus skipper and crew member. 

The vessel performs a wide variety of tasks including bottom sampling, estuary surveys, dredging and diving operations.

Currently in Maritime New Zealand survey from East Cape to North Cape, including the Three Kings islands, she could easily be re-purposed and would make an excellent dive charter vessel or a great syndicate boat for enjoying the great outdoors, diving and fishing coastal islands or chasing game fish out wide. 

Powered by twin Caterpillar 3126 marine diesel engines developing 420 hp each and coupled to ZF 286A gearboxes, driving four blade propellers, which provide a service speed of 18 knots and maximum of 24 knots.  Hydraulics power the main winch in the cockpit, a warping capstan that also services the overhead gantry, a pot hauler on the starboard side and the anchor windlass. 

Hydraulic backup is also provided by a 240v hydraulic pump powered by the 7.5kw genset.

The back-up pump also drives the on-board dive compressor.

The accommodation area is open plan, with plenty of headroom and natural light provided by three overhead hatches and ten fixed hull ports. The vessel’s toilet, shower and wet-lab facilities are located off the cockpit. The bridge seats six passengers plus the skipper and two pilot berths is provided in the port and starboard, aft corners. 

Over the past 12 months the owners have spent around $80,000 which included a new radar, new crank & house batteries, new battery charger, tidy up electrical issues, new submersible bilge pumps, new bunk in wheelhouse, replaced tender and outboard and 240V generator rebuild and servicing main engines.