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Protex

Vessel numberHV000080
(not assigned)2357
Previous owner
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.
PROCLAIM in 2009
Morrison & Sinclair
1939
BERRIMA  in 2009 at Wharf 7 Darling Harbour NSW.
CAM Fisher and Sons
1955
 WENTWORTH in 2013
W Holmes Boat Builder
1948
CURLEW as BAROONA on the NSW Central Coast, date unknown
Percy Duncan
1922
GROWER on the Yarra River, Melbourne in 2012
1924
BARAGOOLA after its conversion to diesel electric
Mort's Dockyard and Engineering
1922
The Ashby Punt on display near Maclean NSW in 2008
Robert Nicholson and Guy Hannah
1936
SY ENA at the ANMM March 2014
WM Ford Boatbuilders
1900