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Review: Mobilvetta K-yacht 79

• Words: Cameron Officer
• Photography: Cameron Officer and Mobilvetta
• Published: July 5, 2017

Rob Axton from Country RV in Mount Maunganui has a problem. Although, as far as problems go, it’s quite a good one.

He ordered the company’s first new Mobilvetta A-Class motorhome last November and subsequently a few more this year. Now at the midway point in 2017, he’s completely sold out.

Like a competition-class catamaran, Country RV’s first A-Class RV brand has gotten off to what can only be described as a flying start. “I think our customers see in them what we saw in them when we first investigated bringing Mobilvetta to New Zealand,” he says.

“When I first saw one, I was impressed. I loved the layout options, I loved the way the manufacturer has incorporated a nautical theme into the interior, and the quality of the cabinetry and fittings is obvious from the moment you step through the door.”

Rob has been in the industry since he was 18; the last 12 years have been spent in New Zealand. With Country RV and Country Caravan’s lengthy joint history of not only selling recreational vehicles but also servicing and repairing them, Rob is a pretty sound judge of what constitutes a well-made camper.

Mobilvetta, he says, with its 100 percent wood-free, composite resin fibreglass construction, its use of aluminium reinforcing, and emphasis on quality iTech insulation and double-glazing, more than fits the bill.

The Mobilvetta range

Mobilvetta is part of the Trigano Group and a familiar name on Europe’s highways, but this is the first time Kiwi motorhomers have had a chance to check out the range.

And the full range will be available, too. Country RV is in the process of landing more 79, 80, and 85 models. As the name suggests, the K-Yacht designation signifies a marine theme to the interior.

How do the three models compare? Size-wise there isn’t a lot in it (the 80 is the shortest at 6990mm, the 79 is 7430mm, with the 85 a shade shorter than that), so the differences mainly come down to the layout.

The 79 features an interesting twist in that the bathroom is encountered as you move through the motorhome to the rear, before the bedroom. This might sound slightly discombobulating on paper, but in practice, it works rather well. Slide the partition door aside, separating living from sleeping quarters and you’re faced with a tasteful basin mounted in solid cabinetry immediately ahead, while a roomy shower box hidden behind frosted doors sits to the left and the toilet to the right.

Curving stairs giving access to each side of the centrally-mounted queen bed reinforce the superyacht atmos, as does the curved bathroom and kitchen cabinetry, wood panelling, and subtly recessed lighting, ensuring the whole cabin is nice and bright when you need it to be.

Each side of the 79 model’s rear bed features a generous side table, augmented with cubbies above. The Mobilvetta 85 swaps the queen for two single beds accessed via centrally-mounted stairs. Each model features a supplementary auto drop-down double bed at the front as well, which is tucked neatly away above the front living space.

The Mobilvetta 80 switches a north-south queen configuration for an east-west bed, or you can ditch the fixed beds altogether and go for twin drop-downs front and rear, which gives 80 model owners the ability to configure a permanent rear-lounge featuring generous U-shaped seating instead.

The overview

Fiat’s dependable Ducato takes the strain for all three Mobilvetta models. Country RV has ensured every Kiwi-bound version features Fiat’s Euro 6-compliant 150hp turbo diesel.

Mobilvetta models receive a Winter Pack preparation, which includes an insulated wastewater tank, underfloor heating, and a Truma iNet-ready Combi 6 gas water heating system. All house controls are accessed through a simple-to-use LCD touchscreen panel. Satellite dishes, 130W solar panels, LED lighting, exterior shower and barbecue connectors, and heavy-duty flyscreens and blinds are all on the standard fitment list.

Rob says all Mobilvetta models sold by Country RV are covered by a five-year bodyshell water ingress guarantee and a two-year habitation guarantee, which covers replacement parts and labour costs for anything that needs to be fixed during this time after normal use.

Another bonus is the Mobilvetta’s 2000kg braked towing capacity, meaning a boat or an A-framed vehicle coming along for the ride is a viable option.

A large garage

While we’re at the rear of the Mobilvetta 79, it’s worth noting the large garage that is a feature of both this and the Mobilvetta 85. It’s the reason these models’ rear beds are raised, and I’m pretty certain life on the road will be all the better for it. The manufacturer reckons a full-size scooter will fit in here, although if you make use of the Mobilvetta’s towing ability (or mount a bike rack on the rear), the large garage area will swallow everything else whole.

Incidentally, thanks to clever packaging inside, you needn’t feel like you’re going to wake up each morning only to start the day by bumping your head on the ceiling. It’s surprising how workable raised beds are in the right vehicle, and the Mobilvetta certainly looks to be one of those.

Inside and out, the Mobilvetta 79 ticks plenty of boxes. This is a quality A-Class vehicle in the truest sense. The ability to configure just the right living and sleeping setup to suit, all the while retaining quality craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout, makes it easy to see why Rob Axton and his team knew they were onto something special here.

My only advice would be to get in quick if you’re after a close-up look. The way the order book has been filling over the last six months, Country RV probably has more ‘good problems’ to contend with in the months ahead.

For more information, call 0800 288 860 or visit countryrv.co.nz.

Mobilvetta K-yacht 79 specifications

Approx. overall length: 7430mm

Approx. overall height: 2890mm

Max fresh water capacity: 120L

Max grey water capacity: 10L

Max permissible mass: 3650kg

Braked towing capacity: 2000kg

Price: $159,990

• Value for money for true A-Class liveability
• Interior fixtures and décor looks absolutely top-notch
• Distinct floorplan options and the bonus of a large rear storage garage
• It’s a sizeable motorhome to store when you’re not on the road

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Mobilvetta K-Yacht MH79 Tekno Line motorhome review

Published in Caravan Guard News , Motorhome Reviews on 23/03/2017   - 12 Comments

Affordable Italian style machine

Maybe you should have a closer look at the latest Mobilvetta A-class motorhomes before trying to guess their prices. They look a million euros, but their actual cost here in the UK is considerably less… until we finally leave Europe, of course. Then, who knows? Suffice to say the talk is already of significant price hikes for all motorhomes – wherever they’re made – from season 2018 onwards.

It’s timely, then, to take the opportunity to get closer to this A-class from Italy. Part of an initial three-model range for the UK, it’s got a distinctive enough look to prepare you for an equally individualistic interior… it’s not for nothing that Mobilvetta uses the word yacht in the names of its Tekno Lines.

The base vehicle is Fiat’s almost ubiquitous Ducato, with the 2.3-litre, Euro 6, 150bhp engine as standard, with Comfort-Matic available as an option should you want automatic transmission. Around the Ducato’s running gear, Mobilvetta adds a coachbuilt body that uses all the latest build techniques. It’s a timber-free construction, with inner and outer walls in GRP as well as a curve to the top on the exterior that’s more normal on super-premium motorhomes of this ilk. A five-year warranty covers water ingress. Lower skirting in aluminium and black alloy wheels contribute to a very modern, sleek leisure vehicle.

Inside, the MH79 has a typical – and increasingly popular – floorplan of a front lounge and a rear island bed with shower and toilet at its foot in a washroom area that spreads across the width of the vehicle.

Over the lounge, there’s a typical drop-down double bed, too, making this a genuine four-berth. Alternatively, for couples who like big, comfy sleeping areas to themselves a format like this also makes perfect sense.

The island bed has electrical operation, meaning you can raise it should you wish to optimise storage space in the garage area below, which can be easily accessed from both sides. Lowering it makes it all the easier to get into bed at night without resorting to steps or a ladder.

Centre-‘van is taken up by the kitchen. Its L-shape makes the most of the space for both storage and worktop. Kit starts with a Dometic three-ring hob tucked in the left-hand corner and a deep circular sink opposite, and a waste bin set into the worktop between. Other details include a kitchen roll holder and clips on rails. Plus, there are soft-close drawers and good locker space.

Across from the main kitchen unit, there’s a 149-litre Thetford fridge/freezer with automatic energy selection, plus a Dometic grill/oven, as well as extra storage thanks to a tall slide-out locker with metal baskets.

Sliding doors give privacy to the washroom. There’s a “salad bowl” basin in the centre here, with the shower cubicle on the offside and a swivel-bowl toilet on the opposite side. Storage includes lockers under the basin and beyond, and above the toilet.

The standard specification is simply awesome. Everything you can see here, plus fittings like the 130Watt solar panel, underfloor heating, external sockets (gas, mains electric and shower), rear-view camera and handling aids (Traction Plus, Hill Assist and Hill Descent) are included in the price. You’ll want a tracking system, however. At the time of writing, there was also a special offer of a HAL-Locate with two-year subscription, for £599 – some of which will be offset by a reduction in your insurance premium.

Do consider the chassis upgrade option, too. If your driving licence allows, the 3,650kg rebadge ups the payload to a more respectable 493kg.

Verdict : Blends style and quality with a price that’s also easy on the eye

Plus : Oodles of equipment, stylish looks inside and out, well priced

Minus : Limited payload on standard chassis

In-a-nutshell : A-class, Italian class

There’s more information on the K-Yacht range on the Marquis Leisure website www.marquisleisure.co.uk . Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives : Adria Sonic Plus 700 SBC, Pilote Galaxy 650C

Mobilvetta K-Yacht MH79 Tekno Line factfile

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Note: All details correct at time of publication but may be subject to change.

* Motorhome insurance cost based on Mobilvetta K-Yacht MH79 Tekno Line motorhome retailing at £67,995 with electronic immobiliser as standard, approved tracking device and rear view camera. UK travel only. Kept on driveway at home at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. £300 excess applies. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 10% and are correct at 3.3.17

How would you rate this article?

We also have a mobilvetta k yacht79 and it has spent more time in the repair workshop than on our drive, we have not had a holiday where a problem has not arisen. Starting with the first trip the front skylight leaked, then the springs broke only having done 1000 miles, then the locks on the garage door failed, the other roof lights all leaked, the engine management light came on, the aftersales at the dealership are hopeless. I have spoken to the Group After care manager and he is as unhelpful as the dealership, once they have your money they do not seem interested. The faults so far are being repaired but to say we have lost faith in the motorhome is an understatement, I wish we had not brought it. It has spent more times on the back of a recovery truck than on the road, I only thank goodness that we have caravan guard as our insurer and breakdown recovery as they have been absolutely brilliant and all the breakdown garages that have seen us at our most traumatic and upsetting times have been nothing but fantastic and helpful.

Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve had with your motorhome but thank you for the excellent feedback on our service and breakdown provider.

To all keep away from Tekno 79 that was on tv I have reports and it shocking got my money back ,, load of rubbish

Thank you liz for reply and advice – if only the dealership were as quick. I have spoken to the general manager several times and put my complaint in writing two weeks ago but still no written reply. Any more advice would be appreciated Regards Davvy

You could take your concerns to your local citizen’s advice if you feel your issues have not been resolved.

I want to leave a very low star rating for Mobilvetta K-YACHT TEKNO LINE 79 first registered 10-16 low mileage and wash Sean on tv . I took delivery 08/11/17. It has been nothing but bother things falling off, locking us in, not locking while away on a break In Whale whiles travelling buzzer sounding that door was open, had it back to workshop many times. But still the fault list gets bigger we have lost faith in the Motorhome and the possibility to repair it to an acceptable standard. I have complained in writing but still await for a reply to resolve this issue.

Sorry to hear of your experience with this motorhome David. Our only advice is to speak or write to a manager at the dealership and hopefully the issues can be resolved.

Hi Ian, What are your thoughts after living with your motorhome? We are off to the NEC this week and the Mobilvetta k79 is high on our list of maybes

The problem with motorhomes and I have had two, is that, as big as they are, the kitchen workspace is still tiny. This one has a tiny triangle between the cooker and sink, as most do. This is one of the reasons I changed to a Peugeot Boxer campervan. You get cooker, sink, workspace and fold up worktop in a row, the a section of the table swings out to just about meet the drop down section, then the table itself. You end up with a good, L shaped, preparation/dishwashing area.

I have had one on order since October, it should be delivered next week early April, having been to four shows, 2 at the NEC and over 160 models, I can say.. nothing comes remotely close to this level of interior, the number of included extras alone should sway one from the norm out there. Other manufacturers charging a fortune for what comes as standard… A heated front windscreen….Unheard of.

I wanted to leave a 5 star review!

You should be able to click on the stars at the bottom of the article to do this Sue.

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K-YACHT TEKNO LINE

K-yacht tekno line features.

• Fiat Euro 6 Chassis with 180bhp Engine with Automatic transmission

Ensuring a comfortable driving experience with an electronic parking brake.

• New Generation Internal & External styling

The Mobilvetta Tekno Line features a new generation look featuring the perfect fusion of style and Italian design.

• ALDE Heating System

The ALDE heating system is planned down to the smallest detail. Alde towel rails provide the entire family with warm towels after every refreshing shower. An Alde Fan Convector in the wardrobe dries damp clothes and shoes quickly. Furthermore, the comfort in the driver’s cab in a motorhome can be improved with specially adapted convectors, heat booster and a heating mat that is quick to connect to the heating system. To mention just a few examples.

Drivers Pack; ESP inc Cruise control, Traction Plus , ESC, Hill assist, Hill descend and Driver & passenger air bags

Your Mobilvetta features sophisticated control technologies which can be operated from the cabin easily and quickly.

NCC Approved with Full UK Specification. Your Mobilvetta motorhome:

• Has been rigorously tested
• Is safe and legal for use on UK roads
• Has met all NCC approval standards & is certified safe for you and your family

Solar Panel

From a short break to a longer holiday, the fitted solar panel can ensure that your battery life lasts longer. Being self sufficient helps you take advantage of the freedom a motorhome brings.

DAB radio with touchscreen Sat Nav & integrated rear view observation camera with Bluetooth and USB on all models

Make your way to your holiday destination with ease and with the latest audio technology.

Drop down beds

The expert designers at Mobilvetta have included space saving drop down bed options, in every Tekno Line model. 

Electric & Heated Wing Mirrors

Mobilvetta Tekno-Line door mirrors are electrically heated, eliminating ice and condensation build-up quickly, to help you see more clearly in any weather.

Exterior BBQ Point

Grilling an al fresco dinner for the family couldn’t be easier, thanks to the functionality of the external BBQ point.

Grade III Fully Insulated use

Enjoy the perfect climate 365 days a year. All Mobilvetta motorhomes have successfully achieved the Grade III classification for heating and thermal insulation.

Truma I-Net X

The iNet X System enables you to centrally control your indoor climate, hot water or similar, continually keep an eye on key status indicators and much more – for today and tomorrow.

• Cruise control
• Traction Plus
• Hill Assist
• Hill descend
• Driver and passenger airbags
• NCC approved with full UK specification
• 120w Solar panel
• Integrated rear view camera
• Bluetooth handsfree
• Exterior BBQ point
• Truma I-NET X
• NEW Low rear bed option (80 model only)

Range Overview

Ultimate luxury.

The multi award-winning Mobilvetta is the ultimate in motorhome luxury featuring two unique and versatile ranges.       

For those seeking an unparalleled motorhoming experience Marquis present the spaciously proportioned K-Yacht Tekno-Line A-class series. This exclusive range is competitively priced within the luxury A Class sector, but without any compromise to quality or specification.

The series offers all models with a fully Automatic 180bhp engine on a 4400kg chassis. All K-Yacht models are 3-4 berth with 4 travelling seats and offer a fantastic payload for all your holiday essentials. 

The interiors of all models have been sculpted to provide elegant and opulent living spaces whilst innovative and modern storage techniques ensure that each of these well-appointed motorhomes makes getting away from it all a true pleasure. 

• Fiat Ducato 2.2L 180bhp Euro 6 chassis with Automatic Transmission
• 16” Alloy wheels
• High level dashboard in silver
• Electric parking brake  

Driver Comfort

• Leather steering wheel & gear level
• Pleated cab blinds
• Heated windscreen
• Automatic cab air conditioning
• Ergonomic swivel captain style seats

Driver Safety

• Drivers pack with Cruise control, Traction Plus, ESC with Hill assist, Hill descend & Cross wind assist
• Drivers & passengers air bags
• Electric & heated wing mirrors
• Daytime running lights 
• Steering wheel radio controls

Audio System

• DAB radio with touchscreen Apple Carplay/Android Auto + Sat Nav & integrated rear view observation camera

Living Area

• Ambient LED Lighting throughout
• Spacious wardrobe
• Luxurious Prestige-Brown simil synthetic leather+ fabric combined upholstery with fire retardant treatment
• Luxury mattresses
• Flyscreens & blinds on all habitation windows
• Heki rooflights with blind & flyscreens
• Internal underfloor storage
• Electric drop down table (selective models)
• Electric drop down beds (varies by model)
• TV bracket and aerial
• Two forward facing seats with lap & diagonal belts  (varies by model)

Body Construction

• 12v - 220V & TV sockets
• “XL” entrance door with window, blinds & integrated dustbin
• Mosquito net for entrance door
• Exterior skirt storage compartment
• Fabric layer on internal surface of the roof
• Spacious rear garage with easy access
• Awning light

Electrics, Gas & Plumbing

• 120L Fresh water tank
• 110L Waste water tank
• Winter Pack including; Insulated waste water tank & exhaust valve with anti freeze protection
• ALDE heating system
• Truma iNet X
• External 240V socket
• External BBQ point
• Storage for 2 x gas bottles
• Speakers in bedroom
• Smoke detector sensor
• Carbon monoxide sensor
• Large separate shower with frosted door (varies by model)
• Vanity unit with toothbrush holder (varies by model)
• Towel rail, toilet roll holder & brush (varies by model)
• Chrome showerhead & fixings
• 150L three-way fridge & freezer compartment
• Two burner & electric induction hot plate hob cooker
• Dometic gas oven/grill
• Multi-functional chopping board
• Chrome sink & mixer tap
• Slide out larder style cupboard

Security Systems

• Trafficmaster Trackstar S7 Tracker with 1 years free subscription. Upgrade to S5 Tracker (with drive recognition tags) for £199*
• Manufacturer Immobiliser

*by calling and payment to Trackstar directly. 01234 75900 https://www.trackstar.co.uk/

Warranty Features

Your new Mobilvetta motorhomes benefits from the following warranty:

• 10-Year water ingress warranty
• Fiat Chassis Warranty.
• 24 month manufacturer habitation guarantee

Click here to find out more.

NEW vehicle prices are OTR (On the Road) and include all delivery charges.

Mobilvetta Stock Available to buy

Check out our Mobilvetta Motorhomes available now for immediate delivery & due in to reserve.

K-YACHT TEKNO LINE Range Gallery

K-YACHT TEKNO LINE Brochures

Check out our Mobilvetta Motorhomes available now for immediate purchase & due in to reserve.

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Who is the ‘ketamine queen’ charged in matthew perry’s overdose death.

The so-called “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles” has been charged with providing the ketamine that caused the overdose deaths of Matthew Perry and another man, according to the feds.

Jasveen Sangha, 41, earned herself the notorious nickname for allegedly selling ketamine and meth out of her North Hollywood “stash house” going back to as early as June 14, 2019, according to a California federal indictment made public Thursday.

Sangha continued to peddle the dangerous drugs until she was busted on March 19 for selling meth in a prior unrelated case. She had been out on $100,000 bond since March, court records show.

The drug queen used her North Hollywood home to “store, package, and distribute narcotics, including providing ketamine to co-conspirator [Erik] Fleming so that co-conspirator Fleming could sell it to Victim M.P.,” the indictment said, referring to Matthew Perry.

During the March raid on Sangha’s home, the feds seized 79 bottles of liquid ketamine and close to 2,000 meth pills, the New York Times first reported , citing court documents.

Now, Sangha has been charged alongside Dr. Salvador “Dr. P.” Plasencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and Perry acquaintance Fleming after the “Friends” actor was found floating face down in a hot tub in his Pacific Palisades home on Oct. 28 in a death attributed to overdosing on the powerful anesthetic .

Fleming, 54, Iwamasa, 59, and Chavez, 54, have all taken plea deals.

Sangha is also charged in the new indictment for her role in the August 2019 ketamine overdose death of Cody McLaury, an Alaska native living in California who was a member of the LGBTQ community, according to his obituary .

In Perry’s death, Sangha allegedly provided Fleming with 50 vials of the drug in two separate deals in October that he ultimately gave to Perry.

First, Sangha provided Fleming with a sample of ketamine in an unmarked clear glass vial with a blue cap for Perry to try on Oct. 13, the indictment alleges. Fleming drove to her North Hollywood home to pick up the sample and then drove it to Perry’s residence, the filing claims.

The next day, Fleming went back to Sangha’s to pick up 25 vials of the drug and delivered them to Perry’s LA home, the court papers claim.

Just over a week later on Oct. 23, Fleming picked up $6,000 cash from Perry’s home to pay Sangha and the next day he went to Sangha’s to retrieve another 25 vials of the drug in exchange for the cash, the court documents allege.

Sangha threw in complimentary “ketamine lollipops” with Perry’s order because of how large it was, the indictment says.

Prosecutors allege Fleming dropped off the drug that day to Perry’s home, where Iwamasa administered “6 shots” of the drug to the actor — who made his name playing Chandler Bing on the hit comedy show.

Iwamasa continued to give Perry at least six doses a day on Oct. 25, 26 and 27 before administering the final fatal three doses on Oct. 28, the indictment charges.

Amid the bender on Oct. 25, Sangha sent Fleming a message asking if he’d be purchasing more of the drug because she and her drug source — whom she referred to as “the scientist” and “master chef” — would be out of town, the court papers claim.

Following Perry’s death, Sangha told Fleming to delete their messages from Signal and she changed the messaging app setting to automatically delete her messages, the filing alleges.

“Delete all our messages,” Sangha wrote to Fleming on Signal when news of Perry’s death hit headlines.

And after McLaury died, his family member texted Sangha telling her the ketamine she sold him had killed him.

“Within days of receiving this text, defendant Sangha confirmed that ketamine can kill by conducting a Google search for ‘can ketamine be listed as a cause of?'” the indictment alleges.

She is charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine.

If convicted on all counts, Sangha faces a minimum of 10 years behind bars and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Sangha is set to be arraigned alongside Plasencia in LA federal court Thursday afternoon.

A neighbor of Sangha’s, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he often saw her out late when he was coming home from his night job.

“She seemed nice and whatnot, but I kind of knew something was up. Something was going on there,” the man said.

He said other residents told him she partied and “had some sketchy people she hung around.”

“And, I work nights, so I’d come home at 4:00 and I would still hear her with people and whatnot,” he said.

Another neighbor, Jamie Jude, said he noticed “some weird characters coming in and out of their building.”

“We had people bringing in suitcases and stuff, and, just, like loud music late into the evening,” Jude explained. “And then one night, like, a couple months ago, some guy tried to bust out our door. So. Yeah, just like a little violent instance a couple of months back.”

The “17 Again” actor was found with 3.54 micrograms per milliliter of ketamine in his system — nearly three times the normal amount.

He’d been open about his addiction and mental health struggles and said he’d used ketamine therapy to help treat his depression. But his last treatment was over a week prior to his death and couldn’t have contributed to his overdose since the drug only has a half-life of three to four hours.

Sangha’s criminal defense attorneys didn’t immediately return a request for comment Thursday.

Additional reporting by Olivia Land

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Steamboat SL Louisa, powered with 144yo engine, given new lease on life

feel good Steamboat SL Louisa, powered with 144yo engine, given new lease on life

When the SL Louisa cruises down a river, steam whistling from its boiler, people turn their heads and wave as it floats along on another adventure.

In the day and age of expensive luxury yachts, it's not every day you see a historic steamboat take to the water.

But according to owner Ken Goodman, crabbing trips on the SL Louisa with a steam crab cooker and home brew on board are "pure luxury living".

Engine from a sugar mill

The 79-year-old former carpenter, who takes his hammer and nail bag everywhere he goes, built the vessel in 1987 at his home using an original engine made in Coventry, England in 1880.

"It's a double acting steam engine, 4-inch bore, 7-inch stroke," he said.

"It came out of a sugar mill somewhere up north, a mate gave it to me, so I built the boat to go with it."

Mr Goodman said the engine was in pieces when he took it home and as he recounted the process of fixing it, he joked that "a user manual from 1880 was pretty hard to find".

The vessel had two boilers in its lifetime that ran on coal or timber but the old engine has always performed well.

"If today's modern car engines would last as long as this 1880 job, we'd be a lot better off … it's all throwaway stuff [now]," Mr Goodman said.

The steamboat has no electric lighting, just an oil-based hurricane lamp that hangs at the front.

Bay adventures

Most of the steamboat's adventures in the past 37 years, with its gruff sea-dog skipper, have been around the bay islands in south-east Queensland, including blasting its whistle to start inter-island cross-channel tug-of-war events between Macleay and Lamb islands.

It also raced a New Zealand steamboat called PUKE on the Brisbane River during Expo 88.

"We raced from the Story Bridge round to Expo but he beat me," Mr Goodman said.

But more recently, Mr Goodman has struggled to manage his beloved steamboat on his own.

"It was getting too bloody heavy for me to get off the slip down on Lamb Island," he said.

"I needed a couple of chaps to help me. Most of my mates have dementia or crook backs or have died."

New era for SL Louisa

Rather than send it to a museum, Mr Goodman decided it was time to pass the baton to his son, Lance.

"My son is a builder in Rockhampton and so he said he'd put it on the Fitzroy [River]."

Lance and his father gave the steamboat its maiden voyage in central Queensland in the fresh water, at the Fitzroy River Barrage.

While it was the end of an era for Steamboat Ken, it was the start of a new one for SL Louisa's new captain.

"It's exciting to be able to get it moving, get it in a different river system," Lance Goodman said.

"I've grown up on it my whole life, so I've known how to operate it since I was 10 years old."

SL Louisa was given both a warm send-off from the south-east and welcome to central Queensland.

"When we went and pulled it off Lamb Island, it had vines growing up through the motor because it was on the slipway," Lance Goodman said.

"We had everyone heading upstream at their houses running out, waving to us."

Lance Goodman said he planned to tidy up the boat for new adventures and perhaps showcase it at the next Riverfest 2025 in Rockhampton.

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