Jet spins from Gore to Phuket

Thai holidaymakers will soon be rubbing their eyes in disbelief as a supercharged sea monster from Gore hits a popular Phuket beach.

Southland entrepreneur and former KeelowCraft Boats owner Dwayne Terry is heading for the tropical resort this Saturday to launch new jet boat venture Dragon Jet Thailand.

Terry said the new business, five months in the planning, was inspired by a family holiday to Thailand last year.

‘‘I’d been working in China helping set up a new KeelowCraft factory for a while, and enjoyed the experience of living and working abroad.

‘‘Then when we went on holiday to Phuket I was surprised to see they didn’t have any jet boat operators over there. So I just thought, ‘Why not? Let’s give it a crack’.’’

Dragon Jet Thailand would initially operate a single, commercial KeelowCraft boat at Patong Beach during the peak season, relocating to the other side of the island at Royal Phuket Marina during the off season, when the seas at Patong became rougher.

The 750hp, twin-Corvetteengined, 18-seater dragon boat would be propelled by twin Hamilton 212 jet units, and could reach top speeds of 90kph while conducting 360-degree spins, Terry said.

‘‘They don’t have the same access to first class jet boating rivers we do here in New Zealand, so it’ll be more of a short, sharp thrill ride in the ocean. A few spins and buzz past some buoys for 10 to 15 minutes.’’

Terry had found doing business in Thailand straightforward.

‘‘Understandably they’re protective of their tourism industry, but we’ve secured the necessary 51 per cent Thai partnership, and made some good Thai contacts who’ve helped solve any issues we’ve encountered. My wife [Gillian] and I are relocating over there, so I’ll be on hand to oversee things.’’

Any sadness at leaving friends and family behind was tempered by the excitement of starting a new life, Terry said.

‘‘I’ve enjoyed my 12 years at KeelowCraft, but now I’m looking forward to a new challenge. I can’t wait to get over and get into it.’’

KeelowCraft remains operating in Gore, under the new ownership of Paul and Sarah Cross.

PHOTO: ROBYN EDIE/ FAIRFAX NZ Dwayne Terry, left, and Paul Cross of KeelowCraft boat builders in Gore. The commercialsized twin engine jet boat has been built for Dragon Jet and Terry is shifting to Thailand to run the jet boating business out of Phuket.