Among the onlookers at the launch were representatives from NSW Maritime; NSW Maritime Rescue Divisions from Port Macquarie, Crowdy/Harrington and Forster/Tuncurry; Hunter Manufacturing Board, NSW Industry and Investment; suppliers and the staff of Steber International.

This vessel is unique in that it has a full length deadwood keel for exceptional stability and a large cockpit area with canopy.

It is ideally suited suited as a work platform, mother ship for kayaking or other water activities or a yacht club rescue and crew boat.

Whalebird is in “as new” condition having only done 260 engine hours work and has been meticulously maintained by its owner.

For further information contact the office on 02 6552 2577 or email mail@steber.com.au

Both Colin and Alan Steber will be present at the exhibition.

Big, Safe, Economical offshore cruiser built to Commercial Survey standard by Steber International, Australia’s leading builder of commercial vessels.  This boat is based on the same hull as used in many Water Police and Marine Rescue boats and is undoubtedly the best long distance rough weather vessel of her size in this country.  Her cockpit at 2.8 x 3.5 metres is biggest in class and bigger than most 40 footers.   Her unique single engine installation provides the best possible blend of speed, weight and economy with a maximum range of over 1000nm  on her 1200 litre tank yet retaining a top speed of 20 kts.  Her sea worthiness, reliability and economy have been proven beyond doubt in a recent round  trip from Sydney to Hamilton Island and back (July/ August 2011).   She is well equipped for live aboard cruising, game fishing, and family entertaining and would be make a good sailing club  fleet escort.
Fishfun has been meticulously maintained including professional monthly detail and polishing since new and thus in excellent condition ready for any new adventure with absolutely nothing to spend. She was antifouled in June 2011, registered until  July 2012 and insured to August 2012.   In 2011 she has had new clears, new  carpets  through out,  including the cockpit and flybridge, new Batteries ( 4 x 150amp hr AGMs) and new ground tackle including 20KG Delta anchor.   She is very well equipped with integrated SIMRAD GPS and auto pilot + 6KVA genset, Engel fridge + separate 55 litre freezer, spare anchors and chain large Para sea anchor,  Aquapro Rib tender  with 2011 Honda 4 stroke outboard. Of course she has all the latest  electronic safety equipment such as DSC VHF and GPS enabled EPIRB.
This one owner vessel is available for inspection on a private marina in Balmain. The existing owner will provide initial tuition and reasonable delivery assistance at no cost to the buyer if required.

Other Inventory
Galley Mate Gas BBQ, Bowthruster, All the clever electronics Shore Power large 3 out put battery charger, Voltage Sensing Relay allows protection of start battery while drawing on house

 During the night, Steber’s recieved The Award for Excellence in Design and was very proud and overwhelmed to be named the Overall Manufacturer of the Year.

The Judges said that this was an all-round splendid performance by a discernibly energetic, innovative and employee empowering company, and that their strong sense of this business and the people in it was that “they just get it”.   Across the board they are using programs, techniques, initiatives, investment and involvement in every sense of that word to allow them to run as hard as possible – and they are.

The criteria for the awards included:
Product design’s unique concept and material usage in the market place
Performance and design parameters
Evidence of impact on safety, sales, productivity
Community support and involvement
Management Philosophy and Employee Commitment
Commitment to continuous improvement process
Sustainability of products and services
World Class performance in manufacturing

During Alan Steber’s acceptance speech, Alan emphasized maximizing Australian content, export achievements, staff training, business capabilities and in closing stated that we are “PROUD TO BE AN AUSSIE MANUFACTURER”   A standing ovation followed.

A credit to the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) for arranging such a professional well organised event. There was a french theme to the night and everyone had a great time.

Pictured – Colin Steber, Graham Steber and Alan Steber during the major award acceptance.

Pictured – Commissioner VMR NSW Stacey Tannos, Mayor Clarence Valley Council Richie Williamson, Maclean Uniting Church Rev Ray McIIwaith and Kay Cottee

Construction will commence immediately, with the fifth vessel to be delivered in December 2012. Steber International delivered 10 similar vessels some 12 to 14 years ago, which are still performing well.

Steber International are proud to again support the Commonwealth of Australia, and this contract will in turn ensure continued apprenticeship intake.”

Pictured – Contract signing Alan Steber (centre) with Nick Hough, director of navy contracts and asset finance, Kevin Horder from Defence Maritime and Gregory Hodge, CEO of Defence Maritime 

Pictured – Alan Steber Bruce Steber and Colin Steber