The Black Cat fleet has evolved into a perfectly “fit for purpose” group of vessels designed for viewing dolphins and wildlife, swimming with dolphins, exploring the Canterbury coastline and conducting regular ferry services across Lyttelton Harbour.
The fleet includes several large catamarans, Naiad rigid inflatables and the original Lyttelton ferry, the Onawe.
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Black Cat
The flagship of the Black Cat Group. At almost 20 meters long and capable of carrying 100 passengers, the Black Cat makes for an impressive sight at her base in Akaroa Harbour. Designed by Sabre Catamarans, Perth, the vessel cruises at 22 knots.
- Length 20m
- Breadth 8m
- Crew 2
- Passengers 99
- Engines 2 x Yanmar 600hp
- Material Aluminum alloy
- Built 1993
- Builder Sabre Catamarans, Perth
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Canterbury Cat
The original and some say still the best, the Canterbury Cat now operates on Lyttelton Harbour. Capable of up to 12 knots, the Cat has been involved in several daring rescues and remains a favourite of locals and visitors alike.
- Length 15m
- Breadth 7m
- Crew 2
- Passengers 92
- Engines 2 x Yanmar 350hp
- Material Fibreglass
- Built 1986
- Builder Bill Doherty, Whangarei
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Cat 2
With twin powered jet units capable of pushing the vessel along at speeds of up to 25 knots, this vessel was purpose built to view and swim with the dolphins. It features a swim deck, ladders and jet units for ultimate safety. This vessel has a covered cabin which is heated on cooler days and large windows for easy viewing. As this boat is smaller and fast, it cruises outside the harbour entrance and along the coastline, increasing the chances of discovering wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Length 12.5m
- Breadth 4m
- Crew 2
- Passengers 30
- Engines 2 x Yanmar 350hp
- Material Alloy
- Built 1997
- Builder Blade Runner Auckland
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Canterbury Clipper
This rigid inflatable has real thrill seeker appeal and can travel at speeds of around up to 35 knots. Now used almost entirely for dolphin swimming, the open vessel creates real atmosphere. As this is the smallest of our fleet it can also get to places inaccessible to other boats, such as the back of caves.
- Length 8m
- Breadth 2.5m
- Crew 1
- Passengers 14
- Engines 2 x Suzuki 4 stroke 140hp
- Material Alloy Frame
- Built 1991
- Builder Naiad Boats
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Black Diamond
The Black Diamond was launched in May 2001 and has been purpose built to operate the Diamond Harbour Ferry service in Lyttelton Harbour. The introduction of this new vessel has meant the journey time is reduced to around 8 minutes with greater frequency throughout the day.
- Length 12m
- Breadth 4m
- Crew 1
- Passengers 45
- Engines 2 x 225hp Perkins
- Material Aluminium Alloy
- Built 2001
- Builder Q West, Wanganui
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Black Knight
The latest vessel to join the Black Cat fleet has been purpose built for swimming with dolphins. The design includes a deep 'v' hull for greater comfort and stability along with a fully enclosed cabin for warmth and shelter. In addition the boat is quick with 300hp of power meaning the boat is capable of up to 30 knots, which will allow us to get to the dolphin pods quicker. A quick entry ladder allows easy access to and from the water. Finally the vessel is very fuel efficient and can be trailered easily making it more environmentally friendly.
- Length 9m
- Breadth 1.2m
- Crew 2
- Passengers 14
- Engines 2 x 150hp Suzuki outboards
- Material Aluminium
- Built 2008
- Builder Osprey Nelson
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Black Pearl
The sister vessel built and launched recently.
- Length 9m
- Breadth 1.2m
- Crew 2
- Passengers 14
- Engines 2 x 150hp Suzuki outboards
- Material Aluminium
- Built 2008
- Builder Osprey Nelson
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F1
Fiordlander 1, or F1 as she is now known, was the first of many of this type of vessel built for Real Journeys in the 1960s. She has worked mostly in the Southern Lakes region and has even carried the Queen. Black Cat acquired her in 2009 to be the back up Diamond Harbour ferry and for use on trips to Quail Island.
- Length 18m
- Breadth 2m
- Crew 1
- Passengers 60
- Engines 2 x GM V8
- Material Steel
- Built 1963
- Builder Gough Brothers
