Gjoa Haven is a long way from Parry Sound, Ontario – home of Stanley Aluminum Boats, but that’s where Stanley’s latest Rescue vessel has gone into service.
Gjoa Haven is a hamlet in Nunavut, above the Arctic Circle. It is the only settlement on King William Island, very far north of Hudson Bay.
The new launch is a 26’ Search and Rescue vessel operated by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary as SAR #538, a primary response unit. Stanleys are all-weather multi-mission boats designed for safe handling and low maintenance, and this one will be put to the test where average temperatures only go above freezing four months in a year. However, Gjoa Haven enjoys constant 24-hour sunshine from May 22 to July 21, which is when the local waters can be very active.
SAR #538 is powered by twin YAMAHA 150 hp outboards, delivering speeds in the 45 mph range. It handles and rides well, even in cold chop with typical wind gusts and rain.