Navigators is a family owned business having operated on the River Derwent Hobart for more than 65 years.
The Roche brothers started working on boats and dredges in the early 1920’s. Colin Roche was an engineer on the Bellerive vehicular ferry Lurgareena. In 1942 Colin Roche with his brothers Bill and Max bought the steam vessel “Toorah” and worked in the fishing industry.

In 1951 the Roche brothers purchased five river steamers from H.Jones & Co. Ltd, IXL Hobart. These vessels Cartela, Marana, Excella, Breone and Bass were used for a number of years for river transport. Max’s sons, Peter, Michael and John are continuing the family’s reputation on the Derwent River by blending a mixture of the old – still proudly operating the original Cartela – with the new – boasting Hobart ‘s largest fleet including the most modern high speed catamarans (some named after the original vessels).
The personalised service is still there and the reputation is still strong.