NSW Marine Rescue updates boats
First Yanmar-powered Steber deliveredThe first of four new vessels for Marine Rescue NSW has been delivered for operations at Batemans Bay on the state's south coast -- an area that is popular with offshore fishermen and trailerboat owners.
The Marine Rescue group spent long hours examining the market when it came time to choose a new class of vessel and it finally decided on a Steber 38, built to survey specifications, and powered by twin Yanmar 6LY3-STP engines.
The Steber 38's award-winning hull is noted for its exceptional sea-going qualities and its dry, soft ride. Steber boats are already being used by other official organisations in NSW such as NSW Maritime, the Water Police, Fisheries patrols, Australian Customs and the Australian Defence Forces.
No short cuts were taken to ensure the utilitarian vessel could handle any conditions and, although the interior fitout is sparse, it is absolutely workmanlike. The cockpit, which is fitted with large windows, can be totally sealed from the elements and there are hand-holds on every surface.
The aft cockpit is dominated by a large and secure towing post that can be used to aid all but the largest private mega yachts.
Below the deck, the two turbo-charged, direct-injection, 5.8-litre, six-cylinder Yanmar diesels are connected to Yanmar's KMH61A marine transmissions. The engines, the lightest in their class, have excellent fuel consumption and high reliability. Each engine produces 324kW of power -- enough to drive the Steber 38 to a maximum speed of 32.6 knots.
At the recommended cruising speed of 21.6 knots, the engines run at just 2437rpm and use 40.5 litres of fuel per hour each.
The Commissioner of Marine Rescue NSW, Glenn Finniss, says the Steber was selected for its proven capability with other services. He says the record of reliability of Steber and Yanmar was comforting.
"But beyond that, the Steber 38 is a well-proven commercial design with very strong references," Finniss says. "It is a proven and capable platform for offshore heavy-weather duties."
He says that after successfully completing the sea trials on the first vessel, he is looking forward to taking delivery of the remaining three boats.
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