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Post by TS on Feb 7, 2017 20:33:45 GMT 12
Sorry don't know how to attach the Trademe page to here. But under boats and launches in the 11-15 metre section there is apparently an ex RNZAF High Speed launch for sale. They say it may be W44? She lies in the Helensville creek and doesn't look anything like her former self. But if anyone is keen and really good with wood, it could be restored I guess. Have a look on page 6 or 7. Headed WW11 High Speed Launch for sale.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 7, 2017 21:46:16 GMT 12
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Post by davidd on Feb 7, 2017 22:51:12 GMT 12
One thing those boats weren't, and that was high speed launches! However they were sometimes known as crash/control launches, and also seaplane tenders. W44 was the one passed on to Civil Aviation Branch during the war, which is when they ordered W88 as a replacement. I don't know how much time it spent with the RNZAF, but may have only been a matter of weeks, or months at most. Its sisters W45 and 46 were located at Lauthala Bay for most of their lives, while W88 remained at Hobsonville for its entire life. The hull of these boats was not exactly designed for what I would call high speed, being a type somewhat similar to a deep vee, and with the not particularly powerful wartime engines installed, could make, by my understanding, about 18 to 22 knots maximum. No doubt more powerful engines would increase this somewhat, but they would use an awful lot of fuel to gain a small increase. The RNZAF only had about four vessels which would truly qualify as high speed launces - the BPB 63 footer W1, and the three American-built Maiamis (W275, 276, 277). The ex PAA launch Panair as used at Lauthala Bay in WW2 was probably quite fast, but not quite in the same league as the boats just mentioned.
David D
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