| This client wanted
a boat capable of a maximum speed in the high 40 knots while
maintaining good seakeeping and also the ability to cruise long
range at reduced speed. He provided some bench mark data for us to
work towards, based on a patrol vessel similar in size. I am
pleased to say that we easily surpassed his targets. We have used
the research technology from our hull testing programs to develop
a form which begins planing at 20 knots and continues to increase
speed in a steady ratio to power applied, with no transition humps
in the resistance curves.
The boat is based
on the premise that conventional fiberglass/foam core technology
would be used and that every effort would be made to save weight
without the use of expensive high-tech materials. This would be
achieved by the use of an efficient hull form, careful use of
interior space, and care and consideration in the interior
fittings and furniture. The interior was to look and feel like a
conventional motoryacht without any sacrifice of comfort or
aesthetics in interior decor or style.
The layout is for
a traditional pilothouse vessel - - with a few added conveniences.
Start from the transom, there is a large swim platform which leads
to a dinghy garage. Forward of this is the engine room. Amidship
are 3 or 4 guest staterooms each with their own complete head. The
crew quarters with two cabins for the four crew are in the bow.
There is also room for a small crew lounge, galley, and one
complete head. On the main deck there is the day head, formal
dining room, and a spacious main salon with double sliding glass
doors leading to the aft deck. Curved stairs, port and starboard,
lead from the aft deck down to the swim step and dinghy garage.
The pilothouse has dual helm chairs, chart table, computer
charting area as well as a settee with table for spectators. Up
the stairs and out the hatch is the flybridge. The control station
is forward with dual helm chairs, and outboard wing stations. A
table and settee are directly behind with a bar directly
athwartship. Aft behind the settee is the barbeque station. Sun
lounging pads are arranged on the spacious open deck areas as all
dinghy stowage has already been taken care of.
An initial concept
of twin diesels of 1400 HP each and a 4000 HP gas turbine on the
centerline, all driving waterjets is planned. Speeds predicted by
KaMeWa based on our supplied resistance information indicate 30
knots with diesels alone and 55 knots with everything running in a
loaded condition. The long range cruising speed is 12 knots. There
was considerable thought given to having the boat built without
the turbine initally and possible adding at a later date. This is
entirely possible, or the boat can be built without the turbine at
all.
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