The MotherShip

A whole new Aussie-built houseboat about to be launched

Sydneysider Tim Knox has created a whole new concept to inspire the staid and all-too-static world of houseboats. His so-called MotherShip is a clever Aussie-designed and -built floating holiday abode, able to swallow a typical nuclear family or two and their must-have water-sports kit, with dinkum tin cladding for a rustic look, and the latest electric power for a reduced carbon footprint.

“She’s never going to be built in China,” adds Knox, the Managing Partner behind the MotherShip project. “To be honest I’m fed up of folk saying we can’t manufacture here in Australia, it’s defeatist and just plain wrong. We just have to build innovative products in smart ways.”

Knox says his Eureka moment occurred some years back when he made the observation that most boats on Sydney’s waterways were hardly used. After research, he believes he found the problem. Women. Or, to be more precise, men buying boats that women didn’t like and that didn’t suit the ongoing needs of their family.

So the Upper North Shore resident, who lives not far from houseboat central on the Hawkesbury, set about creating a contemporary Aussie craft that does things better, in a more environmentally- and family-friendly way than the present-day clunkers.

The MotherShip’s styling cues draw on timeless Aussie architecture: the rustic tin ‘superstructure’ cladding and deep glazing are features of note, while the first-class timber joinery imparts a natural aesthetic. Melamine, hibiscus lounge prints and fluoro dunny lights are noticeable by their absence.

ANDY DOVELL DESIGN

Due to be launched in a few months, the MotherShip has been design to perform at rest and underway. Top naval architect Andy Dovell, the pen behind a raft of successful yachts and retro motorcruiser including the award-winning Palm Beach, applied his nous to the project.

“I immediately felt Tim was on to something, spending time on the water is great for families, but you do need space,” Dovell says. “Then the brief got really interesting, as Tim wanted the boat to be eco-friendly and solar-powered.”

With a need for space and stability, a catamaran became the obvious choice. Knox says that thinking outside the [houseboat] square has been the key to the MotherShip’s outcome. “Sometimes industries get set in their ways. If you don’t innovate you might as well throw in the towel. We’ve got bags of ideas,” he enthuses.

The MotherShip measures 45 feet long and will sleep 12 in comfort in four cabins located in the hulls, as per a sailing catamaran, thereby freeing up deck space. There are two bathrooms each with a shower and abundant living room for another family, friends, and importantly children’s friends. This bodes well for charter, too.

ELECTRIC POWER

Each hull is powered by a 20kW electric motor, from the American electric-motor manufacturer Elco with a 120-year history, producing equivalent grunt to twin 40hp diesel motors, it is claimed. The electric motors are quiet, producing no fumes or greenhouse gasses, and with the efficient low-drag hulls it is hoped top speed is around 10 knots.

Batteries to power the motors are charged by solar panels. As a back-up there is a 12kva diesel generator. When fully charged, the batteries provide enough power to cruise at a speed of 6-7 knots for six hours. When the generator is switched on, cruising speed can be maintained indefinitely. The main helm is on the upper deck but there’s a nifty fold-down helm station that drops down from the saloon roof back inside.

“If you take the distractions of modern life away, it’s amazing how quickly families come together,” Knox adds. “Simple pleasures like swimming, fishing and kayaking followed by a meal around a big table are the stuff that builds family bonds.”

MUM'S THE WORD

“Fingers crossed, it will be mum and the kids bribing dad to take the boat out and not the other way round,” Knox adds enthusiastically. The MotherShip should hit the water in a couple of months and costs $799,000 with what looks like a very luxurious fitout and stunning joinery. More at www.MotherShipmarine.com.au.

The MotherShip

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