CWF Hamilton & Co Ltd, (HamiltonJet) was formed in 1939, located at the workshop of Irishman Creek Station. For the next 65 years the company pursued a policy of planned diversification, a natural progression from the effective innovation and expertise initiated by the founder Sir William Hamilton.

HamiltonJet grew out of a combination of CWF Hamilton Engineering and CWF Hamilton Marine, the two main subsidiary companies in the Hamilton Group. As the popularity of jet boats and waterjet propulsion increased rapidly throughout the 1960s and 70s, Hamilton Engineering was producing a large number of marine jet units along with its industrial equipment, cranes and hydraulics. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, New Zealand underwent some major economic redirection and the company recognised the potential for waterjet propulsion systems. It made the decision to phase out the industrial side of Hamilton Engineering to concentrate on the production of waterjet units and hydraulics. For over 40 years the company has focused only on the waterjet side of its business becoming the leading specialist waterjet and controls manufacturer in the world.

HamiltonJet company offices were opened in America, the UK and Singapore to market and coordinate the distribution and spare parts support of waterjets in those regions.

Continued growth in demand for HamiltonJet Waterjets has seen numerous factory expansions in the last decade. Manufacturing floor space has increased to 17,000 square metres on the 6.88 hectare site, with new machinery installed and staff hired to increase factory capacity by more than 50%.

HamiltonJet currently has 20 different jet models starting from 270kW up to 5,500 kw in maximum power rating and these are marketed to numerous marine segments such as Fast ferries, Search & Rescue boats, Pilot boats, Offshore Crewboats, Military Patrol boats, Windfarm boats, and more.

Today, HamiltonJet is still a family owned company employing over 400 staff in all aspects of waterjet design, production, sales and service and has over 52 Distributors around the world as part of the company’s global reach program.

The company has also recently celebrated its 80th year Anniversary and is looking towards strong growth in the future.

In the early 1950s, when Sir William Hamilton began experimenting with marine jets, he followed the lead of the most successful invention to date, the American Hanley hydrojet. Using a round centrifugal water pump that drew the water and expelled it through a steerable nozzle under the boat, he was able to achieve an encouraging speed of 11 miles per hour.

In 1954 the design was further improved by changing the jet stream to expel above the waterline, this proved the turning point in marine jet propulsion by increasing the speed to 17mph and eliminating all underwater appendages. Waterjet propulsion was at last truly successful and the Hamilton Waterjet was born. This first type of unit was named “Quinnat” and consisted of a vertical shaft centrifugal unit, driven through a right-angle gearbox.

The first batch of “Rainbow” jet units were produced in 1956. A small direct drive centrifugal type of unit, the Rainbow gave a good performance in a suitable light craft, without the noise of a gearbox. About 100 were manufactured and marketed in New Zealand.

1957 saw the birth of the “Chinook” unit. A twin impeller axial-flowturbine, the Chinook was far more efficient with its straight-throughflow and two-stage pressure build up. Following this came the three-stage Chinook unit which increased performance further.

In 1963, the “Colorado” series of jet units was a completely new, greatly simplified design which halved the cost of the unit. This series was developed into a full range of one, two and three stage units driving a widerange of boats from river-runabouts to off-shore racing craft.

The “Work Jets” – larger, heavy duty units designed for diesel commercial vessels, large launches etc were introduce in 1970. These WorkJets were the forerunners to today’s Hamilton HM Series of larger waterjets.

The 750 series of jet units launched in 1973, evolved a standardised method of installation in hulls, regardless of the number of stages. This gave more cockpit space in the boat and employed modern controls and engines. Preceded by the 740 jet unit (Colorado pump with 750 intake) and followed by 770 series jet units

In 1975 the first ‘commercial’ waterjet, Model 1031 was introduced. This model was large in diameter with a single stage unit.

The 400 Series waterjets are introduced in 1980. These are for vessel up to 30 metres in length.

In 1984 the split duct deflector was developed for 1031 jets and then introduced on all Hamilton Waterjets. The split duct design increases astern thrust by directing the jet stream down and to the sides of the boat transom to avoid recycling and increase steering responsiveness.

The HM Series waterjets, for craft up to 60 metres, were introduced in 1990.

The HS Series waterjets, for 50-65 knot vessels, was introduced in 1991. These were multi-stage waterjet units designed for high-speed light commercial craft with power inputs up to 1,600kW.

From 1993 to 1998 new jet models introduced to fill gaps in HamiltonJet’s waterjet range – HJ241, HJ321, HM461. Existing models were further developed with more efficient intake and screen designs, 0 and 5 degree intake block options, and improved anti-fouling/anti-corrosion protection. The largest Hamilton Jet model waterjets developed were – HM651, HM721, HM811.

Turbo impellers were developed in 1994, along with HJ212 model to replace the multi-stage 773 unit in trailerable boats. The Turbo impeller improves jet performance in aerated water conditions.

In 1996 HamiltonJet’s Control Monitoring Unit (CMU) was developed as a fully electronic jet and engine control system for larger waterjets.

JT Steering system introduced in 1998. The nozzle design minimises thrust loss when steering to improve steering control and course-keeping efficiency.

In 2000 the MECS (Modular Electronic Control System) supersedes CMU for electronic control.

The HJ403 waterjet unit supercedes the HJ391 in model range in 2003 with improved design for greater efficiency, ease of installation and lower maintenance, as well as a new ahead/astern control systems.

Dynamic Positioning interface for MECS developed. This allows MECS to interface with a ship’s DP system to improve station-holding ability and general safety around oil-rigs.

In 2004 the Voyage Data Recorder interface for MECS developed. This sends waterjet control history to a vessel’s VDR (similar to an aircraft’s “black box”) for future reference in the event of an accident. Primarily used on fast passenger ferries.

Introduction of the blueARROW control system in 2005 sees a new era in waterjet control. More compact and reliable, and easier to install and maintain, than MECS, blueARROW brings electronic controls including the MouseBoat controller to smaller waterjet models HJ292, HJ322,HJ364 and HJ403.

In 2008 the first HT1000 waterjets are manufactured, increasing HamiltonJet’s size range above the HM811.

The HT full Range successfully launched in 2012 to include HT810 and HT900.

In 2014 HamiltonJet celebrates its 75th year Anniversary.

In December 2015 HamiltonJet launched their new JETanchor Positioning System at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans. This is a ‘light’ dynamic positioning system design for small to medium sized workboats not requiring class certification.

In 2017 HamiltonJet introduced new advanced Firefighting (FiFi) functionality JETlfighter and the JETlink interface system for autonomous integration on the MECS control system.

HamiltonJet introduced our next evolution waterjet in 2018. The new HTX30 jet is the culmination of extensive research and rigorous testing, incorporating new hydrodynamics, and more refined materials to deliver a unit that offers more performance, durability and easier installation than ever before.

A new AVX advanced control system was also released with full dual redundancy, IP67 rated and expandable design for medium to large vessels.

In 2019 the latest jet in the HTX range was released, these jets are predominantly designed for larger vessel in multiple segments like fast ferry, Military/Patrol, Fireboat, Windfarm, Pilot and Search & Rescue applications.

In 2021 the new HJX Series Waterjets with the HJX29 and the HJX27 was released to the market as our latest generation jets.

(1899 – 1978) “INNOVATOR, NOT IMITATOR”

As well as giving his name to the company he founded in 1939, C.W.F.(Bill) Hamilton left a legacy of combining sound engineering practices with innovation and excellence. As a small boy he had dreamed of a boat that would carry him up the swift flowing rivers of his homeland. Such foresight was typical of this distinguished New Zealand inventor and innovator.

In 1954 his dream became a reality, and in the 50 years since the Hamilton waterjet has revolutionised the world of conventional boating.
A humble man, Sir William often claimed that it was not he who invented the waterjet – that honour he attributed to the great mind of Archimedes. His greatest achievement was to improve the idea and make it work in the specialised field of boat propulsion.

Charles William Feilden Hamilton was born at Ashwick Station near Fairlie (South Island, New Zealand) on July 26, 1899. He was educated at Waihi School, Winchester, and later at Christ’s College, Christchurch. But it was to Ashwick that he owed the education that encouraged his naturally inventive mind. The land provided him with the opportunity to best exploit his unique style of mechanical genius.

In 1921 Bill Hamilton bought the 10,000 hectare Irishman Creek Station, one of the most notable sheep and cattle runs in the Mackenzie Country (Central Otago). Here he quickly established his first workshop – forerunner to the Hamilton Group of Companies.
His first project was the construction of a two hectare dam for a hydro-electric plant to provide power for the station’s homestead and workshop. Conventional earth moving scoops proved inadequate so, in typical Hamilton fashion, he invented his own more efficient model. This scoop, the “I.C. Excavator”, was used extensively for local contract work, with several more being manufactured and sold in New Zealand and Britain.
Essentially a self-taught engineer, Sir William spent countless evenings at his drawing board doodling and designing. While he approached problems in an unorthodox way, he always produced machines consistent with the best engineering practices.

The Irishman Creek workshop also became an important machining and engineering training facility during the Second World War. Here Sir William taught many unskilled men to do high-precision work, with the workshop producing munitions as well as earthmoving equipment.
Towards the end of the war, Sir William was required to make one of the most crucial decisions of his life. The increasing demand for agricultural and earthmoving equipment and machinery presented him with the choice of working within the limitations imposed at Irishman Creek, or expanding. Never one to ignore a challenge, he decided to rent a small works building in Bath Street, Christchurch and match the keen demand for his machines.

Steady expansion continued, and in 1948 Sir William purchased a 10 hectare site at Middleton, Christchurch. A 465 square meter factory was constructed for the production of bulldozers, scrapers, excavators and hydraulic machinery.
The shift to Christchurch allowed the Irishman Creek workshop to become solely a research and development centre. This provided the opportunity to devote resources to the development of the Hamilton waterjet. Sir William’s first jetboat was a 3.6 meter (12 foot) plywood hull with a 100 E Ford engine, and the jet a centrifugal type pump. This craft was tested on the Irishman Creek dam and water race before successfully, if somewhat slowly, travelling up the Waitaki River in early 1954. From then on Sir William and his team gradually improved the design of the waterjet, adding greater efficiency, power and speed.

Continual improvements in the waterjet design, particularly the shift to a multi-stage axial flow pumping system, allowed boats to travel to places that had never been accessible before. In 1960, Sir William’s son Jon was a key member of the Colorado River expedition team – the first to travel up through the Grand Canyon. Over the next 20 years other ground-breaking trips were made up the Sun Kosi (Nepal), Sepik (Papua New Guinea), Zaire, Ganges and Amazon Rivers, and jetboats became widely used for flood relief, surveying and recreation.
Before his death in 1978, Bill Hamilton was recognised for his services to manufacturing with a knighthood. In 1990 he was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2004 he was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

Sources:
“Wild Irishman” – the story of Bill Hamilton, by Peggy Hamilton
Published by A.H. & A.W. Reed [ISBN 0 589 01294 0]

“Hamilton’s Jet” – the Biography of an Icon, by John Walsh
Published by C.W.F Hamilton & Co. [ISBN 978-0-473-28990-4]

“The Jet Boat – The making of a New Zealand Legend” – by Anne & Les Bloxham
Published by A.H. & A.W. Reed [ISBN 0 589 01453 6]

SIR WILLIAM CHRONOLOGY

1899 – Charles William Fielden (Bill) Hamilton is born on July 26 at Ashwick Station, South Canterbury, New Zealand. Son of William Fielden Hamilton and Cora Blackeney (nee Cannon), half-brother to Cyril Blackeney, brother to Leila and Catherine (Kitty) Hamilton.

1906 – 1916 – Bill Hamilton attends Waihi School, then Christ’s College in Christchurch

1912 – Ashwick Station is subdivided and sold off. 820 acres were retained around the original homestead.

1916 – Cyril Blackeney, who had been managing Ashwick Station, was killed in action in August. Bill left his schooling at Christ’s College to manage Ashwick.

1921 – Bill Hamilton buys Irishman Creek Station in Central Otago for 16,000 pounds.

1923 – Bill and his parents travel to England. Here he buys an Isle of Man Sunbeam motorcar, and meets Peggy Wills, who he marries in October 1923. They return together to New Zealand.

1924 – Builds the workshop at Irishman Creek, and buys his first lathe.

1925 – Bill enters the Sunbeam at the New Zealand Motor Cup races in Auckland. Wins this 50-mile race at an average speed of 81.5 mph. Also claimed the Australasian Speed record as the first time that 100 mph was officially attained in Australasia. Over the next several years Bill competed in many more races and again broke the Australasian speed record, with 109.09 mph for the flying mile in 1928.

1926 – Builds a generating plant complete with dam to provide electricity to the Irishman Creek homestead and workshop. However, this was damaged by severe frosts the following winter, so Bill begins constructing a larger dam using a new earth-scooping machine he had designed and built.

1928 – 1935 – During the Depression Bill takes on contracting work to help pay off his debts. Through this work he designs a number of machines, including a shingle loader, a water sprinkler, a hay lift, an air compressor and an air conditioning plant.

1930 – Bill Hamilton enters a Bentley in three races at the Brooklands Easter Meeting in

England, and creates a stir by winning them all.

1939 – 1943 – Irishman Creek workshop expanded to produce munitions for the War effort while continuing to manufacture some earthmoving equipment.

1943 – Designs and builds a loader-dozer, hydraulic pumps and an excavator.

1945 – Opens a new engineering factory in Christchurch, New Zealand.

1947 – Helped design and build the first rope ski tow in New Zealand.

1951 – Bill rekindles his idea of a boat to navigate the shallow rivers near Irishman Creek Station. Initial designs use an air screw and retractable marine propeller, but these prove unsuccessful.

1954 – Constructs his first jet using a centrifugal pump driven by a bevel gear. This he fits to a 3.5 metre plywood boat powered by a Ford 10 engine.
Bill hires engineer George Davison to work with him to produce a more efficient jet unit design. With this added expertise Bill’s team makes rapid advances in waterjet propulsion systems.

1959 – Bill and Peggy travel to the US, there to make the first upstream passage of a 160km stretch of the Colorado River running through the Grand Canyon.

1960 – Bill suffers a broken arm while jetboating in New Zealand and is unable to make a return trip to the Colorado River for a 740km expedition down and up. Bill’s son Jon is the only driver in the team able to tame the Colorado’s worst rapid, Vulcan Rapid (also known as Lava Falls), and leads the group to the first ever up run of the river.

1961 – William Hamilton is named on the Queen’s Honours list with an Order of the British Empire (OBE). Its citation read: “For very valuable service in the field of engineering and especially in the design and construction of the jet-propelled motorboat.”

1965 – Bill retires from the company.

1974 – William Hamilton is knighted for his “valuable services to manufacturing”.

1978 – On March 30, 1978, Sir Charles William Fielden (Bill) Hamilton dies at the age of 78.

1990 – Sir William Hamilton is inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.

2004 – Sir William Hamilton is inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.