The making of Lady M, our luxury electric charter boat
In 2021 we purchased the vessel ‘Restless Wind’ which originally was an ex-USA navy boat that initially served as a passenger transfer vessel on the USS Roanoke for 75 sailors, after a extensive refurbishment and now subsequently named ‘Lady M’, marked a pivotal moment in our journey toward sustainable boat charter services. This vessel, originally built as a Willard UB40, was brought to Melbourne from the USA and converted to a charter boat, complete with a large Detroit diesel engine and a pop-up roof for low bridge navigation on the Yarra. Unfortunately, in 2019, the vessel sank at its berth and the AMSA survey certificate had expired, necessitating extensive refurbishment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, we seized this opportunity to further our commitment to sustainability by transforming the ‘Lady M’ into an 100% electric charter boat to become a valid addition to our fleet. The large engine space in the midships was remodelled into an open-plan saloon thanks to the compactness of the newly installed 20KW electric motor underneath the flooring. The bulky fuel tanks were removed to accommodate a large galley bench, a fridge, and a glass washer. Additionally, the helm was moved forward, providing the Captain with enhanced visibility. This refurbishment process was not only a more sustainable choice but also a quicker route to market compared to building anew.
This transformation of the ‘Lady M’ stands as a testament to our dedication to sustainable and luxurious charter services. We invite you to view the transformative process in our before and after photos below:
TECHNICAL SPECS:
View some photos of the refurbishment
