Tucked away in the marine drive at Agfest is a first in Australia. Deegan Marine’s Stabicraft is the latest model of the well-respected brand of ‘unsinkable’ vessel.
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Ulverstone’s Deegan Marine dealer principal Hadley Deegan said the boat had been a real head turner on its first day out.
“This is a show piece for Agfest,” he said.
“It’s been beautifully rigged and fitted out. There's been a lot of interest in this particular boat, which has been sold, so we were lucky to have it for display.”
Mr Deegan said this model differed from previous designs in that it had a central cab, which gave room around the sides for moving to the front of the boat.
“They modified it for this customer and now it’s become a standard.
“It offers a little more space, room and vision which differentiates it from other boats. The visibility is outstanding.”
The Stabicraft will do 40 to 45 knots with a full load of gear and fuel, and is powered by two 250 horsepower Evinrude engines.
“It’s spectacular and quite unique,” Mr Deegan said, adding it could get to fishing grounds and back in comfort and safety.
The Stabicraft was first designed more than 20 years ago to meet the demand of commercial fishermen working the Foveaux Strait in southern New Zealand, a notoriously rough and dangerous stretch of sea.
It is known as a rigid buoyancy boat, which has a ring of air chambers, making it virtually unsinkable, very stable and extremely safe.
Leah McBey
As a southern New Zealander I love island life. So Tassie was an obvious choice after living in North America, Europe and the Pacific Islands. I've done a bit of everything but communication is the motif threading through my life.
As a southern New Zealander I love island life. So Tassie was an obvious choice after living in North America, Europe and the Pacific Islands. I've done a bit of everything but communication is the motif threading through my life.
