Maker is constructed in accordance with the MCA Workboat Code of Practice for Pilot Vessels category 2. The craft was surveyed and certified under the MCG/MECAL Type Approval Scheme. This covered design approval, construction surveys and stability modelling, leading to issue of an MCA Code Small Pilot Vessel Certificate by MCA Certifying Authority MECAL.

With the Lochin 366 originally designed as a sports cruiser, Goodchild Marine in conjunction with Lochin Marine and their architects has created a light and airy one-off superstructure and flush deck for Maker as per the owner's requirements. They faced the difficult challenge of meeting demands for both a 21.5 knot top speed and an ability to push and manoeuvre much larger commercial vessels onto and off berths in confined areas. The solution took the form of tunnels in the hull which allow Maker to pull larger props from a shallower shaft angle.

Interceptor plates enable trimming of the vessel whilst underway to achieve an optimal performance compromise.

Maker is powered by twin Cummins 6CTA8.3M main engines, each developing 255hp at 1,800rpm on the flywheel, driving through Twin Disc MG5075A gearboxes of 2:1 ratio. In trials with 100% fuel and water load and a crew of six the vessel achieved a maximum top speed of approximately 18 knots and was able to average 20 knots on the run from Southampton to Plymouth following seawork.

Each engine is heat exchanger cooled, with the raw cooling water piped through hull sea-cocks and remotely mounted Aquafax 'clear top' filters. Intake air to the engine room is through port and starboard fixed stainless steel side vents mounted in the superstructure side into a plenum. Air is then trunked into the engine room below, with consideration given to the dispersal of water entering the side vent boxes. Two extractor fans remove heated air from the engine room via side shell vents mounted on the outer coaming and with delayed switch-off after engine shut-down.

The vessel's GRP hull is a one piece moulding with Scott Bader 65 gel coat backed by a 300g/m 2powder bound CSM in accordance with LRS requirements.

The main laminate is constructed using 600g/m 2and 800 g/m 2woven roving with 300g/m 2chopped strand matt in Scott Bader 489 isophalic polyester resin. The hull is fitted with girders and stringers, transverse frames and bulkheads. Side and bottom frames are fitted on 500 mm centres throughout the boat.

Maker certainly felt solid and stable when MJ was taken out in force 5 conditions on Southampton Water during seawork .Three main structural bulkheads create four watertight compartments. These bulkheads are 18mm marine plywood fully bonded to the structure and set off the hull using LRS compliant resin filler.

The main deck is constructed as a single GRP assembly, with the structure balsa cored where necessary and fitted with ply beams and foam frames. The assembly is bonded to the hull at the hull to deck flange with an adhesive plus mechanical fastenings and external over-bonding as necessary.

The wheelhouse assembly is a balsa cored GRP moulding connected to the lower deck structure by a horizontal flange bonded with adhesive and mechanical fastenings. The forward coach roof has a bolted removable roof panel to allow for engine removal.

The general arrangement sees anchor cable storage in the fore-peak, aft of which a forward accommodation compartment area accommodates a toilet, workshop and stowage area.

Access is from the engine compartment by a dogged watertight alloy hatch in the bulkhead, with a Lewmar Ocean 60 escape hatch fitted overhead.

The engine room surfaces are finished in Crystic fireguard resin and the compartment is lined with Halyard 45mm double polymer barrier acoustic insulation in accordance with MCA regulations and designed to minimise noise within the accommodation areas. A wet system exhaust runs from each engine via a high rise bend to a Halyard type silencer/mixer box through to the GRP connection tube. Access from the wheelhouse and to the forward accommodation is by means of dogged watertight alloy doors.

The wheelhouse contains the helm position to port with full engine controls and instrumentation plus a crew seat to starboard. Up to six pilots are accommodated in KAB 301K adjustable suspension seats with armrests and lap belts, mounted on base units which form lockers.

Access to the wheelhouse from the aft deck is via a spray tight door fitted centrally in the aft bulkhead.

This door and its upper half window together with the internal doors were supplied by Seaglaze Marine Windows with main wheelhouse windows and skylights by Trend Marine Windows.

The aft-peak compartment contains the rudderstocks, tiller linkage and ancillary equipment.

Access is from a hinged hatch within the wheelhouse floor.

Hull protection for a vessel intended to perform harbour pushing duties includes 4.5in CRP type fendering with formed corners at the bow and stern fixed by adhesive into moulded recesses for additional strength.

Extra fendering and tyres are placed to provide adequate protection for boarding and landing duties, while special attention has been paid with regard to pushing duties forward.

Maker is comprehensively kitted out with fire extinguishers, fire and bilge alarm systems, cathodic protection, an Echomax EM230 radar reflector fitted to the braced aluminium mast and all required life saving appliances.

A powder coated aluminium swing-out gantry with a manual self-tailing winch is fitted aft of the rear deck with a fixed floodlight for night use. The transom is fitted with a manually hinged down stainless steel transom ladder set into a moulded recess complete with automatic deployment of propeller guards when lowered. A Hadrian Pilot safety rail is fitted around the wheelhouse complete with two travelling cars and a Matesaver recovery pole is securely stowed aft.

A comprehensive navigation and communications package includes equipment from Simrad and Icom plus a Plastimo Offshore 135 magnetic compass.

Maker left Southampton immediately after seawork andwas handed over to Cattewater Harbour Commissioners in Plymouth on 26 June.

MJ Information No: 19714