Self-righting jetboat for surf rescues - or surfing

By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE

Surfing 4m waves from the comfortable watertight cabin of a speedy little jetboat sounds like a thrillseeker's dream.

For Whakatane man Bill Roberts, a four-time New Zealand jetboat racing champion and 1989 world champion, it has finally become reality.

After six years in the planning he has the prototype of his dream boat, Wave Attack, up and running.

The nifty aluminium craft - described by one 40-year jetboating veteran as the most exciting development in small boats since the Hamilton jet - has "exceeded all expectations", says Mr Roberts.

A self-confessed jet boat fanatic, he started out designing a strong vessel for extreme adventure tourism and then realised the revolutionary result also had huge potential for search and rescue work.

The highly manoeuvrable craft goes where other boats wouldn't dare and its inventor says it is the nautical equivalent to bungy jumping.

A deer farmer and businessman who operates Kiwi Jet Boat Tours on the Rangitaiki River, Mr Roberts has created a boat with seemingly unparalleled abilities.

Not only can it run down, up and across heavy breaking swells, the 6.7m-long Wave Attack can right itself immediately if flipped by a wave. That mechanism is a secret. All he will say is: "It's designed a little like a skittle."

The 400hp Chevrolet engine is made to keep running upside-down.

Needing just 10cm of water to function, the boat is ideal for navigating shallow river bars and, in a sea rescue, could catch a wave up on to the nearest beach.

With a top speed of 45 knots, Wave Attack is able to do a 180-degree turn within its own length. And it can operate in the breaking swell zone usually restricted to inflatable rescue boats and jetskis.

"The acceleration is very fast. You can either dig in and go through a situation or get away from it," Mr Roberts says. "The keys are its agility and balance."

The 54-year-old father of three had Tauranga firm Kwik Kraft Marine build the hull and he completed the vessel to his own specifications.

The cabin, painted a distinctive blue and yellow, is relatively high for the size of the boat and the ballast is very low.

For rescues, the craft - light enough to be carried out to sea by helicopter - can carry life rafts behind the cabin, where a lifeguard or paramedic can also travel.

The fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabin can hold the driver and four passengers, with seats like those used in off-road racing trucks, each with a four-piece harness. There are also automatically inflated air bags.

The 6mm thick glass for the windows, imported from Israel, is guaranteed to withstand extreme conditions.

The bulletproof nature of Bill Roberts' boat could be one reason the owner of a superyacht has inquired about getting one. He's looking for a fast getaway if terrorists attack.

Mr Roberts and his wife, Jo, who have a New Zealand patent for Wave Attack, are now exploring options for manufacturing the craft commercially.

The prototype has drawn crowds and caused great excitement during extensive sea, lake and river trials in the Bay of Plenty.

Local harbourmaster Brian Spake saw the craft going through its paces in the heaviest seas off Ohope Beach for 25 years and believes it has huge potential for rescues.

Tourist jet boating pioneer George Johnston, who praised it as the most exciting development since the Hamilton jet, says versatility and safety have been skilfully incorporated.

His son Heyden Johnston who, like his father, has long experience in search and rescue in the eastern Bay of Plenty, reckons Wave Attack could be a rapid response rescue vessel without peer in any conditions.

Olympic board sailor JonPaul Tobin, who has been surfing in the boat, says the concept is unique.

"Performing manoeuvres normally associated with surfing and windsurfing inside a bulletproof capsule is a truly incredible experience," he says.

"The excitement levels are high and from the moment you are strapped in your seat, you know this will be no ordinary boat ride."

Vital statistics

Length: 6.7m.

Top speed: 45 knots.

Engine: 400hp Chevrolet (can run upside-down).

Water depth required: 10cm.

Manoeuvrability: Can perform a 180-degree turn within its own length.