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Story: South Canterbury region

Jet boating

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Jet boating

In 1954 Bill Hamilton invented a water-jet propulsion system that enabled small boats to travel in shallow water. The system proved popular and the jets are now produced under licence around the world. This early jet boat is being tested on a South Canterbury river.

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Hamilton Jet

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, South Canterbury region – Mackenzie Country, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/11415/jet-boating (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 2 March 2009, updated 1 February 2017.