Ray Kemp 52 Launch AUSTRALIA'S LONGEST-SERVING POLICE VESSEL!! Just Listed

Offered for sale by Public Tender for the first time since its launch 55 years ago - please submit your one-time offers.

Arguably Australia's most historically significant Police vessel, Vigilant is offered for sale by Public Tender for the first time since its launch on the 18th of September 1971 in Woodbridge, Tasmania. Penned and crafted by one of Tasmania's greats, Ray Kemp of Hobart, Vigilant is a time capsule of stunning craftsmanship and enormous pedigree. Vigilant is Australia's longest serving Police vessel - and is thought to wear that honour for the entirety of the Southern Hemisphere. From its launch, Vigilant has acted as Tasmania Police's flagship vessel, with an impressive array of accolades through its long-standing career. This includes having played a major role in the recovery and rescue operations following the disastrous collapse of the Tasman Bridge in 1975 and the sinking of MV Blythe Star in 1973, amongst many other events such as The Franklin River Protests and more. Constructed from carvel-planked Huon Pine, Blue Gum and Teak, Vigilant has proven itself over 55 years, having operated around the entirety of Tasmania and notably its infamous and rugged West Coast. With its round bilge design and keel, this vessel benefits from an efficient hull and reliable powertrain. With no expense spared throughout its life, Vigilant benefits greatly from an ENTIRELY NEW WIRING SYSTEM, NEW DIESEL HEATER, UPDATED ELECTRONICS, NEW GENERATOR and presents beautifully with a recent exterior refurbishment. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire arguably Australia's most historically significant Police vessel.

The interior is beautifully designed and crafted from the best timbers, bearing small details throughout that make this vessel a true Australian icon. The pilothouse is light and airy with excellent visibility in any conditions with additional thanks to a clear-view screen at the helm. The skipper and co-pilot chairs are plush and a recent addition. The helm is positioned to port with a variety of relevant navigation equipment visible, such as a Raymarine E-series plotter, radar, autopilot and more. The co-pilot/nav station is equally well equipped and features a large desktop with plenty of storage beneath. A couple lounge settees sit behind the forward helm and nav station with seating for three in comfort.

All permanent accommodation is positioned forward and below with a spacious twin single cabin that features a pair of wide berths and a couple of handy settees below. In the forepeak is the second cabin in a V-berth configuration with terrific storage throughout. Ray Kemp's attention to detail and impressive craftsmanship is shown throughout but is somewhat obvious in this area with brilliant detailing shown.

The engine room is situated aft of the accommodation areas and beneath the wheelhouse. With good access, this machinery space has expectedly been impressively maintained with no expense spared. Power comes from a pair of Cummins 185hp diesel engines, with the port-hand motor having been replaced in more recent years. Both engines are the same, although do support slightly differing model designations: V470 MRH and V8 185 MRH. Both engines have seen uncompromising maintenance with the duty of public safety. Outfitted to AMSA certification, this engine bay is impressive and beautifully kept thanks to its strict and uncompromising service schedule and upkeep. A Zenith/Isuzu 9KVA generator was installed in 2015, positioned in a stainless-steel watertight box in the aft cockpit, supplying 240V power to the vessel.

The aft interior space provides a lovely large, open-plan saloon and galley area. The galley is positioned forward to the starboard side and features a large 4-burner gas stove and oven, stainless steel sink, enormous storage space and instant hot water. Opposite to port is a microwave and enormous cooled storage in the form of a full-standing domestic-style fridge and freezer and a large-capacity chest freezer - enormous space for food storage for extended stays on board. The main electrical switchboard can be found in this area also and quickly reveals the visible result of an enormous re-wiring of the entire electrical system in 2015. The saloon is spacious and features a large settee to both port and starboard with a wide timber dinette for dining. Aft of the saloon is a large separate shower stall to port, while the head is positioned separately to starboard and features an electrical toilet and large vanity.

The cockpit can be accessed directly from the aft of the interior or from the side decks. While housing the generator, the cockpit retains plenty of space to move around with high sides and great storage. A retractable tow line reel is tucked down to port, with a stunning Blue Gum tow post sitting centrally on the forward bulkhead. The top deck provides plenty of open space with excellent visibility. The upper-deck helm station is well equipped with a Raymarine multifunction display and all the necessary engine controls and telemetry. With great protection from the beautiful hard dodger and extended roof, this space can be used in comfort, even when underway. A mast and rigging provide the use of a lifting boom with a 350kg SWL. With multiple large storage boxes fitted to the upper aft deck, these can be utilised as a great storage solution and seating. The side decks are notably wide with plenty of handholds while moving fore and aft. The fore deck is beautiful with sweeping varnished timber cap rails that rise from the deck before wrapping around the bow. The original hydraulic windlass bears its original Vigilant designation and was completely rebuilt in 2025. The vessel's exterior has benefited greatly from consistent and maintained upkeep, namely with a full refurbishment in 2025.

A true once in a life time opportunity, Derwent Boat Sales are honoured to present Vigilant to the market for the first time since its launch 55 years ago on the 18th of September 1971. Having been commissioned by Tasmania Police, Vigilant has served as Tasmania's flagship vessel for its entire life. Maintained to impressive standards and in current AMSA commercial certification, this vessel can be put to work to continue its legacy or stun and steal the show in any anchorage across the globe.

Offered for sale by Public Tender, contact Derwent Boat Sales for more information. Call Jack Allison on Call Seller or Stuart Watson on Call Seller .

Derwent Boat Sales offers the information on this vessel including condition, in good faith as provided by the Owner/Vendor. While confident about the accuracy we cannot Guarantee or Warrant it but will assist any prospective purchaser verify this as part of the purchase process.