History-A Brief Overview
In the early 1930's a man called Jerry Williams owned a small vessel, the Omokoroa.
Local people started pressuring him to take them out on fishing trips, and it soon became apparent that a purpose-built charter boat would be ideal for fishing trips and to also take over the barging work which was very necessary on the harbour in those days.
The RATAHI was commissioned and built by the O'Rourke brothers in Auckland. She was launched in 1938 and has been working on the harbour and taking people out fishing and to Mayor Island ever since.
We purchased her in 1988, when she was in a very run down state and worked on bringing her up to an excellent standard again. She then worked very successfully out of Whakatane for five years until we moved our whole operation to Tauranga...she was home again!
Recently she has undergoing major improvements with extensions to the wheelhouse to add comfort and user friendliness, and to take her forward for the next 70 years!
Te Kuia
TE KUIA was built in 1978, larger and with a bigger motor and wheelhouse, to cater for the increased population and demand for the various trips. Recently we have fully reconditioned her motor, altered the spacious back cabin and put in accomodation for 10 people for overnight trips.
Ohorere
OHORERE was built for the Government in 1965 as the Ministry of Fisheries Patrol Vessel, and also worked out of Wellington as the Police Launch for some time. We purchased her in a run-down state and restored her to her former glory. An awesome vessel, she is solidly built, fast, spacious and a very comfortable sea boat.
Message From Raewyn and Hugh Ensor
Whether you are keen on fishing, diving, cruising, kyaking, ecotrips or Island adventures, think of us at Blue Ocean Charters as your fishing and boating professionals.