New rescue boat for notorious Jumpinpin Bar

Jacobs Well Volunteer Marine Rescue has wasted no time coming to the rescue with its impressive new Noosa Cat 2400 powered by twin Mercury 150hp SeaPro FourStroke outboards, which were released here a few years ago.

Captain John Jacobsen, the President of VMR Jacobs Well which operates in and around Queensland’s famous Moreton Bay, said the new addition to the fleet was blooded in no time.

“There were two rescues and I was driving for one of them. A boat got overturned on an outgoing tide, and another went belly up on the bar on the incoming tide.

“This new boat is marvellous and combined with the SeaPro engines it is a dream to operate,” Jacobsen said in his endorsement shared by Mercury's local PR.

Built to survey, the Noosa Cat 2400 is no lightweight, tipping the scales at more than 2.5 tonnes, and it is rated for up to six people.

But in a rescue situation, say on notorious Jumpinpin Bar, instant power is needed to ensure the boat is exactly where it needs to be. Apparently, the SeaPros respond to the call.

“We also need a lot of power to outrun waves, which even after years of experience around this bar really gets your adrenalin up. You have to be at the top of your game and you need the best equipment,” said Jacobsen.

With three-blade, 15in Enertia props, the twin 150hp Mercury SeaPros drive the Noosa Cat 2400 to 33 knots (61 km/h) top speed at 5300rpm, with optimal cruising speed of 21.7 knots (40 km/h) at 3500rpm, using just 40 litres of fuel an hour combined.

The new 6.8 metre Noosa Cat was designed and built to the squadron’s specific requirements. It is the organisation’s third boat. Brisbane Marine has been credited with exceptional service support.

VMR Jacobs Well, which has an active facebook page, is often towing boats that they have rescued and so torque and performance is important to get them up and away from danger.