| Type : |
Wooden motor vessel |
| Launched : |
1908 |
| Builder : |
unknown unknown |
| Gross : |
6 tonnes |
| Dimensions : |
11.05 x 3.15 (metres) |
| Passenger capacity : |
20 |
| Speed : |
unknown |
Launched in 1908 as Waikare (Maori for "rippling water"), her builder and location of launch are unknown. Originally built with a petrol engine, this was replaced during World war II with a Kelvin diesel.
Purchased in 1934 by Nicholson Bros, she was used to transport goods and people about the harbour and was in use to ferry staff to and from the palmolive factory at Balmain. During this time she was renamed to Protex after one of their soap brands and henceforth was known as the soap boat.
On the evening of June 8th 1952, she sank after she collided with another Nicholson boat (Provide) off Peacock Point. She was carrying two passengers at the time.
In 1968, along with the other Nicholson boats, she was sold to Stannard Bros. By 1970 she had been leased to Terry Hodgson who operated her on Brisbane Water from Woy Woy and also from Toukley. Later she was in service on the Hawkesbury River running between Brooklyn and Dangar Island.
In 1981 she was presented to the Sydney Heritage Fleet who continue to operate her from time to time.