You run Duffy Down Under?

I actually work on the water for oil and gas, towing around rigs – five weeks on, five weeks off at Karratha, Western Australia. But yeah I’m the caretaker of Duffy Down Under cruises for a month while the owners Nitsa and Gordon Kerr are off on a sailing adventure. I’m not even sure where they are right now, Greek Islands maybe.

Your Duffys are electric boats, the one Mayor Tom Tate is trialling? Yes, we have four boats, he has one at the moment. They are electric, zero emissions, battery operated and most are self drive. They have a top speed of 5.5 to six knots so people can hire them and take them for a spin. You can’t really get into any trouble. It’s $209 for two hours and you can have up to 10 on board. Take your own food and drink. We do skippered trips too. We are doing a lot of trips with the Chinese tourists which is great – it gives them a chance to come out on the water and have a nosy.

How did you get into boating? I’ve been on the water 38 years. I’ve always liked boats. I grew up in Auckland, NZ, and got into it from a young age. I was in the Navy for 23 years, specialising in seamanship.

What’s in your harbour personally? I have a power catamaran back in NZ. I’m planning to sell that. I’m thinking of buying a sailing cat here and taking it to the Whitsundays.

What do you love about being on the water? It’s just so calming isn’t it – it’s relaxing, calming and stress-free.

What is your dream boat? A 65-foot Fleming. They are just nice and slow, a boat of luxury, not big gas guzzlers. But I can only wish to have that sort of money.

Tell us about your boat and why you love the water. Email ryan.keen@news.com.au