| Type : |
Steel catamaran |
| Launched : |
1992 |
| Builder : |
unknown unknown |
| Gross weight : |
41 tons |
| Dimensions : |
36.80 x 10.5 (metres) |
| Passenger capacity : |
230 |
| Speed : |
22 knots |
Dawn Fraser is one of the seven RiverCat vessels. These were all built in response to growing demand on the Parramatta River route.
RiverCats are propelled by twin Schottel rudder propeller units, powered by two GM (General Motors) supercharged and turbocharged V8 diesel engines. The engines are fitted with a solenoid which shuts the engines down when required, by cutting the supply of fuel. A second solenoid is used as a separate emergency shut down.
The power from the engines is transmitted to the Schottel propulsion units via hydraulic gearboxes with a 2:1 reduction and an electronically operated clutch. The engines idle at around 600rpm and are governed to a maximum speed of 2000rpm. Given the gearbox reduction, this means that the propeller shaft revolves within the range of 200-1000rpm..
Power is transmitted from the engine to the propulsion units through shafts on a horizontal plane above deck then transferred through gears to a vertical shaft and back to a horizontal shaft below the water line to the propellers. The propulsion units are able to pivot around the horizontal axis below the water line, creating directional thrust. The propellers are constant pitch, variable speed and uni-directional. Turning a propulsion unit 180° provides thrust in the opposite direction, with movement in between these positions controlling steering. The two propulsion units provide a Master with a high degree of manoeuvrability as both thrust and direction can be independently controlled on each unit.
They were also built to a design that allowed them to travel with a low wash, thus reducing damage to the fragile river ecology. However, Sydney Ferries has faced criticism over the damage caused by these vessels. These vessels re-opened the route to Parrmatta.
The ferry had a fatal accident in January 2007 when it hit a small fishing boat and (ultimately) killing the occupant. The fisherman had to have his right leg amputated and suffered a heart attack during the incident.
She is named after Dawn Fraser (04/09/1937) who represented Australia between 1956 & 1964 in the sport of swimming.