Rotterdam is the city that breeds skippers. Real ones, those with woolen overshirts, joking around, swearing about annoying sounds from equipment and have a ton of experience, which you can read from their faces. After spending a lifetime on cargo ships, barges they retire – but never truly. These lads, full of stories and cynicism, you find driving the waterbuses of Watertaxi Rotterdam.
After installing the benches, the week before Christmas 2023, my plan was to visually inspect the benches when in use. It took me three efforts to successfully locate and board the MSTX36 – typical skipper in his seat. He safely rides the boat that goes back and forth beween Marconistraat (Noord of the Maas river) and the RDM buildings (south of the river), steering past large cargo boats and tall cruise ships.
Our polyurea coated benches may contain some dirt, they are still in mint condition after six months in use. Skipper happy, Watertaxi happy, me happy. Oxpray provides you with:
- Unmatched Durability: Oxpray seemless cushions are built to withstand the elements, from scorching sun to pounding waves. Say goodbye to cracking, fading, or tearing.
- Effortless Maintenance: Forget scrubbing and replacing cushions. Oxpray’s maintenance-free design allows you to spend more time enjoying your boat and less time on upkeep.
- Safety on board: Oxpray cushions are coated instead of upholstered. This eliminates the need for wooden construction parts on board, increasing fire safety. The fire-resistant foam and polyurea coating meet the requirements according to IMP Part 8 (Fire Safety)
- UV resistant colour finish: Oxpray colors hardly fade, not even under direct exposure to sunlight, resulting in a product that lasts over time.
Conclusion:
Sounds like a success story, so far. Flawless? No. Unfortunately the seats and backrests are a bit bigger than initially planned for. Passengers don’t seem to notice or mind, as they enjoy their daily commute safely and comfortably.
