TRANQUILLISER shows the typical styling for its early 1960s period.

Images(3)

A close view of a typical Lord detail, a combined rudder and shaft strut.

Tranquilliser

Vessel numberHV000133

Vessel Registration NumberFX 416 N

(not assigned)33537-1

Designer Lindsay Lord

Builder Sid Ferguson

Date1961

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 11.89 m x 11.12 m x 3.9 m x 1.22 m, 17.13 tonnes (39 ft x 36.5 ft x 12.8 ft x 4 ft, 17.4 tons)

DescriptionThe motor cruiser has always been called TRANQUILLISER and was built in Sydney NSW by master builder Sid Ferguson, who had a business based at The Spit on Middle Harbour. Two of his apprentices were Ken Beashel and Bob Holmes.

The designer Lindsay Lord was a pioneer in the scientific design of planing power boats and well known internationally in the post World War II years through his publications and designs. His interest covered all aspects including hull shape, machinery and construction. The clever arrangement where a single strut forms a support arm for the shaft and a skeg for the rudder is a typical Lord detail.

The craft is twin engined and still has its original six cylinder Clae diesel motors. The light weight but strong double planking is another smart feature for a planing vessel, and this would have been an early example of the type built in Australia.

TRANQUILLISER was heavily involved as a training and sea rescue boat for the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and was based at Newport then later on at Coffs Harbour on the NSW coast. During its time with the RVCP service, it was used over the entire length of the NSW coastline. Owner John (Jock) Gibson became heavily involved with the RVCP after he retired, and used TRANQUILLISER in relation to his role with them. He motored up and down the coast lecturing and examining in radio operation, meteorology, boat-handling, seamanship and coastal navigation. He also lived aboard TRANQUILLISER, and was awarded an OAM for his services to the community through the RVCP.

In 2007 TRANQUILLISER remains in excellent original condition and is a fine example of an early planing motor cruiser, with the typical styling of its period.
SignificanceTRANQUILLISER is a wooden motor cruisrer built in NSW. It is a rare Australian example of a design by the famous USA power boat designer Lindsay Lord. It has had a long association with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Service in NSW.