REMODELLED LAUNCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 414, 24 July 1928, Page 14

REMODELLED LAUNCH

MR. SEAGAR’S REHUTAI

A craft that will attract much attention this season is Mr. Chas. Seagar’s launch Rehutai. Formerly engined with a powerful compound steam plant, Rehutai has been fitted with an English crude-oil engine that is the first of its make in New Zealand and has been the focus of much engineering curiosity. Weighing 43 cvzt.. this 3-cylinder engine will develop a minimum of 55 b.h.p. at 500 revs, (working up to 90 h.p. at 20 per cent, overload), on a crude-oil consumption of 2$ gallons an hour. The lubricating oil demand is one gallon to 60 gallons of fuel. The oil tank capacity installed is 26 cwt. On the makers’ chart one ton of oil should give Rehutai a cruising radius of 1,250 miles. The cylinders are 8 inches by 8 5-8 inches, and the machine is entirely valveless and cold starting. Fuel injection is on a novel principle which allows of throttling the engine down to 100 revs. Roller and ball bearings are used for all except the big ends. The reverse gear, of new design, will admit of long periods of running astern. A unique feature is that the flywheel is aft of the main bearings. The overall dimensions are: 7ft. 6in. by 34in. high by 22in. width. Rehutai herself has a good record. Built in 1911 by the late Mr. Chas. -

Bailey, she is on the diagonal principle, but has full length planks, a construction that would be costly now. her dimensions being 50ft. by 12ft. 6in. by 4ft. 6in. Mr. Seagar sold her some years ago to a Whakatane firm, but purchased her again in 1922. Lately she was stripped to the keelson and remodelled inside. The after cabin has six berths. The fore peak is supplied with ship’s bunks. Galley and conveniences are amidship. The wheelhouse is large enough to be fitted with a bunk also. Electric light has been installed and when cruising a wireless outfit will be added. Rehutai after this overhaul in Bailey’s 3'ard is to be put in the water on Thursday.