Wednesday 3 December 08 - 06:50
 

Diving & Underwater

Black Cat Goes Diving Off Dover

Ireland’s Safehaven Marine has launched the eighth Wildcat 36ft catamaran for owner Gerry Dowd, who will operate it out of Dover to explore wrecks along the south coast of England.

'The Black Cat' will handle whatever seas the UK south coast can throw at it.
'The Black Cat' will handle whatever seas the UK south coast can throw at it.

The very high specification dive boat, 'The Black Cat', features a fly bridge, diving platform, teak decking and a luxurious fitted interior which includes sleeping for six, a full galley, and an entertainment console with a plasma screen plus DVD and CD systems. With overnight voyages a certainty, spacious, comfortable accommodation was as much a requirement as the Wildcat’s obvious stability.

A full length stainless steel dive platform extends across the transom and is fitted with a fold down dive ladder, accessed through a wide transom door. Two side doors port and starboard give easy access from marinas.

The Black Cat’s high volume symmetrical hull design features considerable buoyancy in the bow, eliminating slamming in heavy weather whilst providing a dry and comfortable ride.

Power is provided by twin 440hp Yanmar engines running 23” diameter four bladed propellers and conventional shafts provided by Clements Engineering. The engines are accessed from electrically operated flush deck hatches and provide ample power for a top speed close to 30 knots and comfortable cruising at 25 knots.

The central helm position gives the skipper a commanding view and excellent all round visibility.

The navigation and communications package includes Raymarine E120 series radar/plotter, autopilot, Hummingbird fish finder and twin VHF radios. A 2,000W inverter provides 240V throughout the craft via a full ring circuit, with an integral battery charger maintaining the on board supply.

The fully equipped galley includes a microwave, full cooker and refrigerator. A separate shower cubicle and head compartment is positioned in the port hull. Twin bunks berths are placed in the starboard hull and a master bedroom is positioned centrally over the bridge deck.

A 3m RIB is stowed on the flybridge, which is fully equipped with dual engine controls and electronic repeaters.

The vessel was thoroughly tested by force 8 gales during sea trials, which again confirmed the excellent stability and seakeeping of the breed.

Safehaven Marine has developed a new 16.5m pilot boat model, the Interceptor 55. The first of the 25,000 kg displacement craft is due for launch in November.

 

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The Black Cat

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