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Ivan Russell of Bonavista is not the only fisherman
making a big investment in the fixed gear fishery.
Ray Croft of Fermeuse recently took possession of a
new 65 footer, the Newfoundland Mariner, and Rex Simmonds of Paradise
and Albert Hiscock of Bareneed have boats under construction.
All four vessels are similar in basic layout, with
forward, fully enclosed work deck and after superstructure.
Ivan Russell’s boat is scientifically different in
its hull design, mainly because of its after engine location, and in its
fish boxing and box handling system. The other three, all built by
Glovertown Shipyards, are basically copies of the same design except for
some slight differences in such things as superstructure dimensions and
on-deck equipment.
Funding from the Canada/Newfoundland Inshore
Fisheries Development Agreement provided on-deck fish handling
equipment, fish hold boxes and some other equipment, all primarily aimed
at improving fish quality and the crew’s working conditions.
While the Newfoundland Mariner and her two sister
ships will use 70 litre Dynoplast boxes ( about 1000 for each boat ),
Ivan Russell opted for a specially designed Contrawl box system which
uses larger containers.
The on-deck fish handling equipment- picking
tables, gutting stations, etc.- for the Glovertown- built boats is being
manufactured by Collins Aluminum, also of Glovertown.
Rex Simmonds’ boat is expected to be completed and
ready for fishing around the end of July, and Albert Hiscock’s a month
or so later.
All four vessels cost approximately $1.24 million
each, fully fitted out. |
