6:31 AM Wed 29 Jul 2009 GMT
NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said today the purchase of five new patrol boats at a cost of almost $750,000 will provide NSW Maritime safety officers with an increased presence on the State's waterways.
Mr Tripodi said the new boats have been purpose built and equipped to carry out safety patrols both offshore and on harbours and inland waterways.
They include a 4.8m Cobia Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) valued at close to $40,000 which has been built at Huskisson on the NSW South Coast.
'The 4.8m Cobia was recommended for its robust construction and seaworthiness. It is equipped with a 50hp Honda outboard engine and comes with a heavy duty trailer for mobility,' Mr Tripodi said
A second vessel, a Sailfish 7.4 metre Platinum Series catamaran powered by two 150 horsepower Honda outboard engines and valued at $193,000, is currently under construction at Alstonville on the NSW North Coast.
Mr Tripodi said boat enthusiasts will be able to see a 'recreational' version of the Sailfish in a display by Webb Marine at the Sydney International Boat Show which starts at Darling Harbour tomorrow (Thursday July 30).
Three of the new patrol boats are Kevlacat 3000 express cruisers built in Queensland.
Valued at close to $172,000 each, the 8.1 metre catamarans are equipped with twin 175 horsepower four-stroke Suzuki outboard engines.
'These Australian built boats have been selected because of their capacity to patrol offshore, and the fact that they provide NSW Maritime's Boating Services Officers with an effective work platform in a range of weather conditions,' Mr Tripodi said.
Mr Tripodi said Maritime safety patrol boats are used to conduct on-water safety checks and a range of other activities to support the boating community.
Last year the NSW Maritime network of officers conducted more than 45,000 checks State-wide.
by Brad Schmitt
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