To equip Forth Belle for its new role, Golden Arrow repowered the vessel with twin Perkins Sabre M215C turbocharged and aftercooled 215hp marine diesels coupled to the existing Borg Warner gearboxes and Schottel Z drive propeller with rudder movement.

Golden Arrow also undertook a complete workshop overhaul of the Borg Warner gearboxes and supplied and fitted auxiliary equipment in the engine room, including an upgraded fuel filtration system, a smoke and fire detection and alarm system, exhaust silencers, and calorifiers for the hot water and heating systems.

Environmental considerations also played an important part in the decision to choose the Perkins Sabre engines. In common with Poole Harbour, the area around the Firth is important for nature conservation. Firth of Forth islands make up a Special Protection Area, host to some 90,000 breeding sea birds every year.

The six cylinder, six litre M215C develops its power at a comfortable and unstressed 2,500 rpm to give the 25.3m steel hulled Forth Belle a cruising speed of 10 knots.

This is the second Belle to be repowered by Golden Arrow.

The company recently upgraded the Bournemouth Belle, which operates from Poole Quay in Dorset, with a pair of Perkins Sabre M215C engines.

MJ Information No: 22005