STERNCRAFT 7.8  

Vessel Type: Liquid Fever is a 7.8-meter Sterncraft built in Tasmania in 2007.

Current Survey: The boat holds a 2C survey for 11 passengers and 1 crew member, offering operational flexibility and cost-efficiency.

Engine Specifications: Liquid Fever is powered by two counter-rotating Mercury SeaPro commercial grade 115hp outboard engines installed in 2023. These engines, with just shy of 500 hours, have been meticulously maintained, with regular servicing every 100 hours by Whitsunday Outboard Centre. They still have two more years of warranty remaining.

Performance and Efficiency: Despite its smaller engines, Liquid Fever achieves a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 23 knots. Fuel efficiency is approximately 40 litres combined per hour, ensuring cost-effective operation.

Versatility: Liquid Fever is designed for seamless transitions between water taxiing, fishing, and diving. Recent upgrades, including the addition of Clears and an extended roof, enhance passenger comfort during journeys to and from dive sites. Additionally, a deep-hanging dive ladder has been installed, providing easy access for divers to re-enter the boat after their dives.

Fuel Capacity: The boat holds 125 litres of fuel in each of its two fuel tanks, totaling 250 litres of fuel capacity.

Positive Flotation Characteristics: Liquid Fever is equipped with extensive positive flotation features, including completely replaced underfloor buoyancy foam, certified hull plating replacement, and manhole-sized flush deck aluminum inspection openings in each hull compartment. These features ensure the vessel remains unsinkable and will float upright even if fully flooded, providing enhanced safety for passengers and crew.

Trailer and Maintenance: The boat trailer has been custom-built by OZI ALUMINIUM TRAILERS on the Gold Coast in 2022. It features two axles, both braked with hydraulic brakes, providing enhanced safety and control during transportation. As such, a trailer brake controller is required for the towing vehicle. Additionally, it has a 3.5-tonne rating and comes equipped with a full spare wheel, ensuring reliability and safety during transportation. This custom-built trailer enhances the overall efficiency and convenience of transporting Liquid Fever to and from various locations.

Safety and Comfort: Liquid Fever is equipped with all necessary safety equipment, including a brand new 406 MHz EPIRB with GPS. It can comfortably accommodate up to 8 divers, 1 or 2 dive masters/instructors, and a skipper.

Sea Keeping: The boat's stability and performance in rough waters are exceptional. With the addition of Clears and the deep-hanging dive ladder, it can operate in nearly any reasonable weather conditions, providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

Previous Maintenance: Extensive maintenance has been conducted on Liquid Fever, including hull respraying, replacement of external fittings, installation of new safety gear, and upgrades to the hydraulic steering system.

Operational Experience: Liquid Fever has been operated successfully for several years, with every skipper praising its reliability and performance. It has proven to be a valuable asset for commercial use.