The charity recently had its new boat, Dolphin III, taking shape on the drawing board and specified to provide a perfect boat for pleasure trips.

Having seen the 7.4m Cheetah catamaran of the Green Island Holiday Trust, also operating in Poole Harbour, the Dolphin management committee decided to base their final design on the Cheetah 9.95m craft. They were impressed by the stability and ride quality of the Cheetah, remembering that up to six wheelchairs would be on board.

Space was also a priority as Dolphin III would have to accommodate 12 disabled passengers and provide a toilet suitable for wheelchair users.

The 9.95 Cheetah, powered by twin 90hp Honda four strokes, meets all the requirements for this one-off design. The standard wheelhouse was extended to house the toilet and galley area, which includes its own sink and water heater. Doors on both sides of the boat give easy wheelchair access to the deck and Unwin Safety Systems supplied floor mounted surface rail anchor points for six wheelchairs which are bonded into the deck.

A ramp designed to support a passenger in a 120kg electric wheelchair facilitates ease of loading. A full set of marine grade 316 stainless steel safety rails, a stern platform, keel bands, engine protection bars and a lighting gantry were all fabricated in Cheetah's own metalwork shop.

Storage units for clothing and blankets have been fitted, as has a comprehensive electronics package which includes a Garmin 128 GPS, a Garmin 160 Fish Finder, Sailor VHF, Raymarine helm indicator and a Raymarine 430 loudhailer system.

A full range of safety equipment is included in the fit-out. Cleghorn Waring supplied the Jabsco toilet, Southern Cross Marine supplied the Hydrive hydraulic steering and a Vetus bow thruster simplifies docking in crowded marinas. The Hydrive hydraulics allow each engine to be raised and lowered independently.

The Honda engines are almost silent at the usual cruising speed of 6 to 10 knots and can push Dolphin III to a maximum speed of 23 knots. Fuel storage is in a 300 litre stainless steel tank housed behind the transom and between the two engines, making it impossible for spillage to enter the boat. The vessel was launched at Cowes on the Isle of Wight and returned excellent fuel economy on her delivery voyage to Poole.

Dolphin III has six voluntary skippers, which has resulted in an extended season of trials and training. The Friends of Dolphin management committee are favourably impressed with their new boat, which will provide outings for the disabled for many years to come.

MJ Information No: 17427