FOR ZANE GREY

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1930, Page 6

FOR ZANE GREY

LARGE FISHING LAUNCH. The first large boat built in New Zealand for use in foreign waters is now nearing completion in the yani of Messrs. Cotlings and Bell, of St. Mary’s Bay (reports the Auckland “Herald”). It is the deep-sea fishing boat that is being constructed to the order of Air Za:ne Grey, and is to he used by him in his fishing at Tahiti, Besides embodying many special features, the vessel achieves the distinction that it will he completed fitted out bv the builders. Linoleums, upholstery and special fittings are all being chosen and included by the builders. In fact, when, the craft is delivered to her owner the only addition to her equipment that will be necessary will be the cutlery. The new boat i s to be named the Frangipani, after the flower which grows in the Pacific Islands. She is 46 feet in length, with a beam of 12 feet 9 inches. The vessel has three skins, two running diagonally and ,an outer of fore-and-aft planking of fulllength kauri. The total thickness, ot her hull is 1 5-8 inches. Two twin gasoline engines are being fitted, each giving an output of from 80 to 100 h.p. The launch has three, cabins, in addition to the cockpit and the forepeak, which contains a power capstan driven from the starboard engine.

The main cabin, is 11 feet long, providing further sleeping accommodation for four and is fitted with extensive locker and wardrobe facilities under the side desk. Full headroom is provided throughout the boat. Four tanks, 'holding 600 gallons of petrol, provide a cruising range of over 1000 miles. The maximum speed of the launch will be about 11 knots. SPECIAL TANK PROVIDED.

An interesting feature in the cockpit is the special bait tank. In this kaliawai will be kept alive in salt water, fed into the tank by an automatically operated electric pump. The control of the boat will be centralised at the wheel in the cockpit, where the helmsman will be able to perform every operation, even to the weighing of the anchor. Three revolving fishing chairs will be fitted.

At present it is not Mr Grey’s intention to visit New Zealand! this season on account of the fact that he has been unable to secure his camp site at Mercury Bay. For this reason the builders will deliver the Frangipani at Papeete. She will be completed early in November, and it is hoped to dispatch her on board the Monowai on her first trip early in December. Some dfficulty may arise in regard to this, however, on account of the boat’s weight and the space she will occupy on deck. The dead-weight of the vessel is 15 tons.