Taree boat builder to launch 'Investigator II', its biggest vessel yet

The vessel is so big, coming in at 18.6 metres (61ft) and weighing in excess of 35 tonnes, that it will have to be finished on the water as the overall height, including the flybridge, would not fit inside the factory.

Steber general manager, Alan Steber said the fisheries research vessel for the Mauritius Government will be launched on a high tide to minimise the chance of the vessel touching bottom with its two metre draft.

"Apart from the depth at the launch site, near Manning River Rowing Club, another major concern is the condition of the Harrington bar.

"We always work closely with Harrington-Crowdy Head Marine Rescue to pick the deepest channel when taking boats out to sea.

"After final fitout and sea trials, the 'Investigator II' will be sailed down to Sydney where it will be boarded onto a container ship for the final leg to Port Louis, Mauritius", Mr Steber said.

The Director of Shipping, Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Republic of Mauritius, Mr Alain Donat, was impressed with progress on the vessel during a recent visit to Steber's Taree factory complex.

"Following delivery of the vessel early in the new year, consideration may be given to a fourth Steber for Mauritius," a delighted Mr Steber said.

Investigator II is the most versatile, commercially orientated vessel produced at the Steber factory to date.

"Getting the 60' from drawing board and into the water has been a monumental task and to design it from the 'inherited' Westcoaster mould was our biggest challenge," he said.

"Not just because there was little to work with, but because it has to live up to the Steber name and reputation."

Stebercraft manufactures quality recreational and commercial vessels, built to stand the wear and tear of demanding and sometimes gruelling work at sea. Every model can be customised with interchangeable cabin, deck and flybridge fitouts to create individual operational setups and different tastes.

Steber International has consistently won awards for its commercial export range, with boats operating in a network of 12 countries.

Steber was recognised for its outstanding achievement in export development at the recently held AIMEX Conference conducted during the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.

"2019 will see the launch of the first 60' to compliment the fleet range - it's been 15 years since the last 'Westcoaster' was made in WA and we've worked hard to improve and redevelop the original boat."

Bruce Steber, who celebrates his 90th birthday this year, is still the driving force behind the three generations of the family business, attending the factory on a daily basis and running his critical eye over the whole operation.

He enjoys a conversation with the staff about the latest models lines, engineering and anticipated performance.

"As boat builders we pitch our skills against some of the international heavyweights and often proudly come up victors in the tender process. We intend to continue to strengthen our position as a leading Australian boat manufacturer and rural and regional manufacturer in the future," Alan Steber said.

Features of this record-breaking vessel include:

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