The Agency will put the boat to a wide variety of uses from its base in Lincoln, including survey work in coastal waters and inland waterways and for fish stock monitoring at sea.

Barry Philpott, the craft's designer and builder, is planning a marketing campaign in the angling sector and would have brought this boat to seawork2003 had it been available.

'We have already had a great deal of interest from anglers who have told us they want a catamaran with the qualities of the Powercat 525, ' he said.

'Its big advantages are speed, safety, stability, space and adaptability. The safety factor has become more significant with the EU recreational craft directive emphasising stability and buoyancy.'

The Powercat 525 is specialy designed to accept a range of engine options and various deck layouts. It is road transportable, easy to launch, can cruise at from 5 to 30 knots, and will adapt to work in rivers, harbours, estuaries and coastal waters.

MJ Information No: 18020