Naiad 12.6 Jack Guy, Northland Port

Size: 12.6 metres, 42 feet Type of vessel:  Pilot Boat Home:  Whangarei Harbour, New Zealand Launch Date:

P.V. "Jack Guy" is a 12.6 Naiad built specifically for transfer of Northland Pilots at Port Whangarei. Powered by two Caterpillar engines shafted to Tiger propellers to gain maximum efficiency "Jack Guy" has proved to be exactly what was required to improve Pilot transfer efficiency.

Capable of 29.5 knots, crew operate the vessel at 2200 rpm on both engines giving approximately 25 knots. The efficient hull shape means operations are carried out causing minimum wash and there have been many positive comments because of this.

Varied conditions have put "Jack Guy" to the test. Swells in excess of 5-6 metres and a breaking sea on top are infrequent in the Bream Bay Pilot area but during winter there were a number of testing days. Launch masters quickly learnt how to tack across rogue waves and run down the back of the bigger ones. Speed reductions to approximately 10-12 knots gave masters confidence the vessel could handle any and all seas. The ability to board ships at greater speeds has allowed a safer transfer of pilots especially in rougher conditions with the ship quartering the sea and swell and running at the speed of the swell.

After the first 6 months of operation Northport pilots and launch masters have certainly developed a positive attitude towards trekking off down the harbour and don't look forward to reverting to the older Pilot launch when the Naiad is on maintenance period.

Specifications

Length O/A	metres
Beam O/A	metres
Beam Internal	metres
Tube Diameter	mm
Deadrise	deg
Weight	kgs
Useful h.p.	h.p. Ultra longshaft
Maximum recommended h.p.	h.p.
Maximum Carrying Capacity (Planing)	kgs
Maximum Carrying Capacity (Displacement)	kgs
Thickness of Alloy	mm
Underfloor fuel rank capacity	litres