The Vessel

Why "that's Awesome": Brian and Jill Perry along with daughter Sarah who will be working on "that's Awesome" have spent many years setting up trips that give their passengers a very unique experience. Not only did the Perry's invent whale watching from vessels in Australia back in 1987, they have introduced every different type of trip that Hervey Bay has to offer. Dawn and Dusk trips are not new. The Perry's were running them in the early nineties. The biggest drawback was the speed of the vessels that were used then. "that's Awesome" is capable of reducing travel time when compared to some of the fastest day vessels by up to an hour per trip. So the bulk of your whale-watching trip is with the whales, not getting there and back. Other advantages include: Low passenger numbers 35 Max. Lowest deck level to the water. At rest the vessel sits low in the water resting on its inflatable pontoons making it super stable even in rough conditions. Full walk round decks mean you are virtually at the whales level. So the term "up close and personal" takes on a whole new meaning. Safety standards on this type of vessel are second to none. That's why you see them used as life saving/rescue craft, used by the Army, Navy and wildlife companies including whale watching around the world.
"that's Awesome": Length: 12.5 metre rigid hull inflatable (RIB). Beam: 4.3 metres Draft: 0.5 metre Power: 4 x 300hp 4 stroke Suzuki Speeds: Cruise 30 to 40 knots (60 to 80 klm) Maximum: 50knots+ (100 klm) Fuel consumption: 120/130 litres per hour at cruise settings At maximum speed: you don't want to know Toilet Facilities: Full size walk in toilet with waste treatment on board Passenger numbers: 35 maximum Seating: High back Techno Membrane Series with full walk round-carpeted decks