Protex

Vessel numberHV000080

(not assigned)2357

Owner Sydney Heritage Fleet

Previous owner Nicholson Bros Harbour Transport Pty Ltd

Previous owner Stannard Bros

Date1909

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 10.56 m x 3 m (34.65 ft x 9.85 ft)
Propeller dimensions: 381 x 483 mm (15 x 19 in)

DescriptionOriginally named WAIKARA which is Maori for 'smooth water', the 10.56m wooden ferry was built in 1909 but the builder remains unknown. Not much has been recorded about its early history either, but in 1934 it was bought by Nicholson Bros, a well known firm of small ferry and launch operators on Sydney Harbour. In line with their usual policy of naming their craft using words beginning with 'Pro' it was called PROTEX after a popular brand of soap. The ferry was used to transport personel to and from ships and waterfront sites. During World War II the Kelvin diesel was fitted, while in 1952 it collided with another Nicholson vessel PROVIDE off Longnose Point and was badly damaged. Despite the damage it was refloated and repaired.

Stannard Bros took over Nicholsons in 1968 and continued using PROTEX until 1970 when it was sold to Terry Hodgson who took the ferry to Woy Woy and then the Hawkesbury River. It was a popular ferry on the run between Brooklyn and Dangar Island for almost 10 years.

In 1981 it was back under the ownership of Stannard Bros and Chris Stannard donated the PROTEX to the Sydney Heritage Fleet. PROTEX has since been restored by the Fleet volunteers and in 2006 it is still operated by the Fleet on Sydney Harbour as an excursion vessel.
SignificancePROTEX is a timber ferry built in 1909 in Sydney NSW. It has historical significance as an example of an early 20th century ferry boat with the typical features of that era. It has a plumb stem, long counter stern and elegant sheerline and belonged to Nicholson Bros in Sydney NSW. It remains operationl as a ferry and charter boat with the Sydney Heritage Fleet on Sydney Harbour.