Cabin Cruiser Launched At Kaiapoi

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30979, 8 February 1966, Page 16

Cabin Cruiser Launched At Kaiapoi

Kaiapoi residents yesterday afternoon watched the launching of a cabin cruiser thought to be the largest vessel launched at the port since its reopening in 1958. Planned by an Auckland firm, the cruiser is 38ft long] and 12ft 6in wide, with a draught of 2ft 6in. It has a diesel engine. The owner, Mr G. Kirkpatrick, of Christchurch, said that his employees had built the vessel during the last six months. The boat’s central control panel has dual control, shore radio-telephone, and depth finder. Television and radiogramophone equipment have been installed. The interior is finished in sealed mahogany.

Outside at the stern is an unusually designed platform for water ski-ing. The cruiser was taken to Kaiapoi from Christchurch on an articulated transporter accompanied by a Christchurch firm’s large mobile crane. The boat was launched by Mrs Kirkpatrick and named the Betty Kay, after two members of the family. Late today Messrs M. Watson and B. Baxter will sail the cruiser to Picton. Mr

Kirkpatrick, who with his brother owned a business in Kaiapoi some years ago, said the boat would be used mainly for cruising about the Marlborough Sounds and fishing.