Recent orders from South Boats Special Projects Ltd. include eight boat sets comprising of twin UltraJet 451 waterjets complete with flybridge joystick control and display to propel a series of 15.43m (50.6ft) Alloy Wind Farm Service Vessels designed for crew transfer and logistical support at various wind farms in the UK and Europe.

The first of these vessels, which was due for launch recently, has twin Scania DI 12M EMS diesel engines producing 591bhp (441kW) at 2,100rpm coupled to ZF360 transmissions with a 1.237:1 reduction ratio driving twin UltraJet 451 waterjets.

Following on from these vessels, a further three boat sets for twin UltraJet 575 waterjets with joystick controls are also on order to propel a series of larger and more powerful 20.4m (66.9ft) Alloy Wind Farm Vessels which will match MAN D2842 LE410 EDC diesel engines rated 1,100bhp (809kW) at 2,100 rpm via twin disc MGX5147SC transmissions with a 1.48:1 reduction ratio.

The South Boats hull combines a number of advantages. Fine initial entry in the forward sections rapidly becomes bluff and buoyant to give high reserves of buoyancy to maximise rough weather sea keeping as well as loitering and minimising pitching movement. A chine shaped aft gives stability in following seas.

To prolong the vessels' service life, the aluminium structure and shell are constructed to a very high safety factor to withstand pressures exerted on a vessel of this type. Standard design principles include symmetrical under water sections and asymmetrical wet deck knuckles and spray deflectors. The hull also maintains a parallel waterline beam through the length of the vessel to allow good weight distribution.

The sea keeping capabilities of their catamarans have been proven in service when transferring engineers to wind farm turbines in conditions in excess of 2.5m significant wave height.

The UltraJet JetMaster joystick control system fitted offers excellent manoeuvring power. The specially developed digital Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) network converts the joystick commands to boat movements, harnessing the full benefits of the UltraJets.

This intuitive system offers many features previously only available on more expensive systems such as electronic steering synchronisation for catamarans, vessel steering by use of proportional interceptors, combination lever and joystick control, auto-steer (Autopilot) interface, steering and reverse position indicators and helm mounted display for set up and diagnostics. It also incorporates a complete secondary back up control system.