Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
COAST Guard Redcliffe ’s primary rescue vessel is back in the water and keeping people safe in and around Moreton
Bay, with a pair of brand-new Mercury 300hp Verados providing the power. The boat, a 9.8m Kevlacat best known as RSL Redcliffe, is in great shape having undergone a $200,000 refresh that included an upgrade to its vital communication equipment, a rewiring of its electrical system, improved electronics and new paint.
Troy Wood from Brisbane Marine has been looking after the engine needs of Coast Guard Redcliffe for three years and oversaw the new engine upgrade. “It was a straight swap, replacing two older Verados with two brand-new ones,” Troy said. “Everyone’s been very happy with the way the Verados have been performing, so when it came time to upgrade, it was a pretty simple decision.
“The volunteers at Redcliffe – in fact all the coast guard volunteers – do a fantastic job, so we’re more than happy to help, and I know the Verados are going to give them the reliability, control and power they need to do their job.” About half the money for the refurbishment of RSL Redcliffe came from the Federal Government, so the
Prime Minister was invited to attend the re-launch ceremony. Mr Turnbull praised all Coast Guard Redcliffe volunteers for their dedication and professionalism, and also applauded the local community for its ongoing support of the organisation.
For any rescue craft, dependability is obviously crucial, and Mercury Verado engines have a well-earned reputation for exceptional reliability. Made to handle bigger boats and bigger water, Verado engines are beefed up and better protected with a maintenance-free valve train, dual water inlets for consistent cooling and superior corrosion protection.
SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift provides instantaneous throttle response, and the Verado’s automotive-style power steering ensures the precision handling vital in rescue work. RSL Redcliffe has already conducted a number of successful rescues since its return to the water and will be there whenever boaties get into trouble.
www.mercurymarine.com
