Spike Islander is fast also, its twin 8.3 litre, 380hp Iveco 8361 main diesel engines pushing it to a sprint speed of 27 knots.

Significantly, the vessel can achieve loaded cruising speeds of 20.5 knots at only 1,900rpm, which translates to a total fuel consumption of 7.4gph (34lph) at this speed. A Lister twin cylinder 7kW genset is also fitted.

The comprehensive wheelhouse fit out includes triple helm and crew KAB301 pneumatic seats forward. The array of navigation and communication instruments fitted at the port side helm position includes Raymarine radar and chartplotter displays, a 7in Raymarine video sounder, two Leica DGPS Navigators, a Raymarine autopilot, Sailor GMDSS Class D VHF radio, Sailor VHF radio, Raymarine loudhailer and aft deck intercom, Thrane & Thrane satellite telephone, a fully marinised shockproof computer system with a 17in widescreen combination monitor, plus email and internet access. The monitor also provides a display for the vessel's aft deck full colour CCTV system.

There is port side seating for two aft of the helm and a galley further aft, which includes a four ring electric hob, a combination microwave/oven, a fridge, 24V hot water boiler plus pressurised hot and cold water supplies. To starboard is a seven person 'L' shaped seating area with table.

A second South Catamaran 11m Island model has also been launched this year. 'Guiding Light of Dover' has been built for Dover based charter angling and survey skipper Paul Curtis, replacing a Lochin 38.

South Boats has confirmed that their second offshore support vessel, a 14m aluminium catamaran, is progressing well and hull fabrication is now complete. The vessel is on course to be exhibited at Seawork 2005 following launch and trials.

This is the first vessel of a 14m and 17m aluminium catamaran joint venture operation with an East Coast ship management company. The boat is being built by South Boats' Special Projects Division, where work is also well underway on a South Catamaran 11m research vessel for a Merseyside marine electronics software design company.

MJ Information No: 20436