KEY POINTS:
Driving a high performance jet sprint boat around a purpose-built course sounds like a lot of fun.
Agrojet operations and marketing manager Jason Trask can tell you it is, especially since it is his job.
"I get told I have the best job in the world everyday so I guess I have. I won't be leaving this place in a hurry," he said.
Mr Trask's job just got better with the introduction of a new environmentally friendly motor for one of its fleet of three jet boats.
He said Agrojet Rotorua has set the standard by changing its motors and apart from saving on fuel bills they are producing 95 per cent less CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions.
"For years people have been putting car motors into jet boats and to be honest they do guzzle a bit of gas. We have gone from running 100 octane aviation fuel to unleaded 96 octane you buy from the gas station."
After a year of extensive market research, Mr Trask believes the company have finally found what it was looking for with its new Indmar (EXT/ CAT) Engine.
"The new motor is the latest in marine technology, is fuel injected and is fitted with a special catalytic converter. It uses less fuel than our old motor, produces less emissions and is more powerful," he said.
The team at Agrojet believe that they have achieved a nationwide first in jet boat operation by taking an innovative approach to environmental concern.
"We want to lead the way in environmental safety standards," he said. Mr Trask said the new motor, coupled with the unique Agrojet watercourse that requires no lake or river use, will reduce environmental damage taking the boating industry into a new era of engine safety and air quality.
Agrojet's remaining fleet of two boats will be using the new engines by the end of 2009.
- DAILY POST
