Dolphin III came into service in May 2008. She has a catamaran design, built by Cheetah Marine on the Isle of Wight and is ideally suited to take advantage of the improved facilities at Poole Quay Boat Haven at Poole Quay. Constructed with Isothalic resins, sealed sub floor buoyancy and powered by twin extra longshaft Honda 115hp four stroke engines, Dolphin III is 10.2 metres long with a beam of 3.7 metres and a draft of 0.6 metres. The cushion of water and air in the tunnel between the twin hulls gives a soft ride. All metal fittings are marine grade stainless steel.
A safe, stable and comfortable ride is a feature. The cabin is fitted with a helm position, galley area and an enclosed standard Jabsco marine toilet with a wide door to allow wheelchair access; she is fitted with all necessary safety features. These also include VHF Radio, GPS, Depth Finder, Loud Hailer, Fog Warning, and an intercom.
The cabin roof extends back to the stern with side and rear awnings for improved protection of our passengers. Extra wide 0.85 metres side doors at the stern on both port and starboard sides allow easy access for wheelchairs onto the boat from the pontoon.
Special fixing points are provided for the clamping of wheelchairs, where required, and there are bench seats with backrests for ambulant passengers with storage space for safety equipment beneath. There are two bow thrusters to aid manoeuvrability of the boat especially with mooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see some of the common questions we get asked about our trips.
Can’t find a question you’re looking for?Please bring cash on the day.
One of the crew will take your order and you will pay him. The crew member will go and collect the fish and chips from The Chipperies (or other fish and chip shop) in Wareham and bring them back to Dolphin. To check the costs you would need to contact The Chipperies as the prices vary from time to time.
Yes, please ring the Booking Secretary on 01202 875867 as soon as you know you need to cancel. By doing this we can offer your places to someone else.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the time of your trip.
Please wait opposite the Tesco convenience store for a member of our crew who will be wearing a bright yellow polo shirt.
The harbour trip lasts approximately 2 hours.
The Wareham trip lasts approximately 4 hours and includes a stop off at Wareham quay where you may like to purchase fish and chips for your group before returning to Poole Quay. Ask the crew when you get on board.
Passengers cannot get off the boat at Wareham Quay.
Please let us know as soon as possible so other people may book the trip.
thefriendsofdolphin@gmail.com
Dolphin is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. We have no paid staff.
The trips are free of charge. We rely on donations to keep us afloat!
If the weather is not suitable for a safe and comfortable trip it is cancelled and the skipper will contact you to let you know. Please ensure you have given us a telephone number so that you are contactable at all times.
If it is just inclement weather the deck area where you sit is covered and has transparent side covers too.
No. Only the crew.
Dolphin III waits for passengers in Poole Quay Boat Haven, Poole Town Quay, Poole, Dorset. BH15 1HJ
Passengers should not enter Poole Quay Boat Haven without a member of the crew from Dolphin III
You can drop off your passengers opposite the Tesco convenience store on Poole Quay.
There are plenty of Car Parks in the area, click on the link to see more information:
Yes, there is a wheelchair accessible toilet on board.