Taree based boat builder Steber International has launched its biggest vessel to date.
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Investigator II, a fisheries research vessel bound for Mauritius, was launched into the Manning River near the Manning River Rowing Club on Tuesday, November 26 in front of staff and a crowd of interested onlookers.
The vessel is 18.6 metres in length and weighs more than 35 tonnes. Due to the length of the vessel, the final touches will have to be made on the water.
The final height of the vessel, including the flybridge, will be larger than the Steber factory.
Steber International general manager Alan Steber said the vessel was launched at high tide to minimise the chance of it touching the bottom of the river.
"Apart from the depth at the launch site, near Manning River Rowing Club, another major concern is the condition of the Harrington bar," Mr Steber said.
"We always work closely with Marine Rescue NSW Crowdy Harrington 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."
