The order for Eastern Point was placed with government assistance with the import duty and shipping costs. Eastern Point will be the first fast commercial GRP catamaran in Newfoundland.

Fishing vessels work off Newfoundland in temperatures to -30º, with ice on the sea and all water that comes on board freezing on the deck. Hence, Eastern Point has a specially designed Kevlar stem and keel sections to assist with ice breaking at slow speeds and is keel cooled with dry exhausts to prevent cooling water freezing in the engine and inlet system.

Main propulsion is by twin John Deere 6068TFM 225hp diesel engines supplied by EP Barrus coupled to Twin Disc 5050A 1.8:1 reduction ratio gearboxes driving conventional Clements 1.75in stainless steel shafts, bronze stern tubes, skegs and rudders. The craft will reach a top speed of 23 knots and provides continuous loaded cruising at 18 knots, allowing Earl to reduce his steaming time from 10 hours per day to under 4 hours. This increases his daily fishing time from 8 to 10 hours per day and gains an additional 4 hours rest time per day. John Deere engines were chosen for their durability, economy and service facilities available in Canada.

The vessel is fitted mainly as a working platform but with clever use of space it has been possible to fit five berths in the vessel and yet retain 450 sq/ft of flush working deck area.

Eastern Point is the first new launch in 2003 for South Boats and there are currently a further four South Cats in build and a number on order. South Boats have confirmed an order for the first 45ft South Cat and the mould will be available at 39ft for Under 12m classes and at 45ft as a charter or patrol vessel.

MJ Information No: 18103