The twin Yanmar 4LHA-STZP four cylinder marine diesels, delivering a hefty combined 480hp, likewise showed no hesitation in taking the craft to a 45 knot top speed that will be useful in its cruise ship escort, search and rescue, patrol and interdiction duties which commence in the West Indies this month.

The boat at seawork was the first of two patrol boats from Hayling Island UK based Pepe Boat Sales for the St Kitts and Nevis Air & Sea Ports Authority.

The deal was brokered by exporters and procurement agents GDM Lindex Ltd, which worked with Pepe as their supplier in preparing a sealed bid to the government of St Kitts & Nevis.

GDM Lindex, which specialises in the Caribbean, has recently shipped a fire engine to the British Virgin Islands and first worked with Pepe Boat Sales when providing a police patrol vessel to St Lucia.

Following seawork , the boats were trialled successfully before being put on board a Geest Lines freighter out of Portsmouth.

They were due to arrive in the Caribbean earlier this month.

With two cruise ships per week now coming to the federated islands and ISPS Code considerations upon them, the St Kitts and Nevis Air & Sea Ports Authority was looking for fast, stable and durable vessels capable of effective multi-tasking. Pepe's 10m aluminium design features the 'V' forward with multiple spray rails providing lift for smooth water flow around the hull, reducing spray and wake.

Aft the hull angle of deadrise flattens slightly to provide greater load carrying and clean water flow to the stainless steel propellers on the Mercruiser Bravo II outdrive legs.

Low maintenance, long-life welded aluminium construction befits the hard, continuous working lives the craft will begin this month.

Marine grade 5083 (N8) Lloyds approved aluminium was used on all plating in the construction.

Hull plating is 5mm thick while 4mm plate was used for topsides, internal transverse, longitudinal and bulkhead frames.

MJ Information No: 19700