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Alutech Expands Watercat Range
01 Jun 2003
Aluminium boat builder Marine Alutech Oy Ab , based in Teijo, Finland is building a fleet of 32 fast landing craft for the Finnish Navy , utilising a development of the aluminium hull design first used for the Uisko workboats 10 years ago. The second batch of eight boats will enter service this summer.
Designated the Watercat M12, the vessel was designed to meet the Finnish Navy's requirement for improved mobility of its coastal defence forces in the late 1990s and had to be capable of operating in all weather conditions. It can carry 22 fully equipped Marines or over 3 tonnes of cargo.
The 13m boat has a beam of 3.65m, a displacement of 13.8 tonnes and a top speed of 37knots. Maximum range is 8 hours at a cruise speed of 30 knots. Power is provided by two Caterpillar 3216 diesels each rated at 331KW coupled to two Kamewa FF375 waterjets.
The waterjet propulsion system enables the bottom of the hull to be kept perfectly smooth and gives the boat a draft of just 700mm, vital for safe operation in shallow waters. The waterjets also deliver excellent manoeuvrability and enable the boat to stop in just over a boat length from full speed.
Under the GRP foredeck cover are 20 individually damped seats - front hatches and the hydraulically operated bow ramp facilitate rapid troop deployment or transfer of cargo. The central, resiliently mounted wheelhouse is ergonomically designed for maximum operator comfort and is exceptionally quiet (under 75dBA). It can accommodate three people including the skipper.
Standard equipment includes Raystar 120 GPS system, Raytheon RL80C Plus Radar and Raymarine L760RC Plus depth sounder.
Marine Alutech offer several versions based on the same hull design, which include pilot and lifeboats.
MJ Information No: 18340
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