Jetboat firm shuts for tests

Shotover Jets has closed while it investigates engine problems in its jetboats.

The Ngai Tahu-owned company is one of Queenstown's top adventure tourism operations and runs high-speed rides through canyons on the Shotover River.

Chief operating officer Tony Warwick said yesterday that the boats were out of action so they could be tested. The problem was not safety related, he said.

"We decided to close operations as a precaution to prevent possible engine damage."

Harbourmaster Marty Black said the company had kept him informed and took a "pro-active approach" to safety.

It is understood the company has had continuing problems with wear in engines in the new boats it introduced in 2003. Up to 50 are understood to have blown since then.

The new boats are equipped with supercharged V6 engines which are different from the standard V8 naturally aspirated engines used by other commercial jetboat operations.

- NZPA