Saturday 10 January 09 - 03:51
 

Boatbuilding

Tamar Prototype Reborn as Police Patrol Boat

In May of last year Appledore UK based Seawind Barclay Curle Ltd was awarded a design and build contract to refurbish a prototype Tamar lifeboat, originally built for the RNLI in 1999. The company's remit was to make the vessel suitable for a new role as a patrol boat for the Kent Police Force, all to MCA standards.
Seawind Barclay Curle has comprehensively redesigned and rebuilt the prototype Tamar Class lifeboat for the Kent Police Force.
Seawind Barclay Curle has comprehensively redesigned and rebuilt the prototype Tamar Class lifeboat for the Kent Police Force.

The company's experience of working with various types of lifeboat for the RNLI and its in-house skills covered all the trades required, working alongside their preferred partners, TEAM Technologies SW.

Without drawings to work to, and with many of the vessel's original systems now removed, Seawind Barclay Curle had to design and build in systems that would bring together all the operational electronics required for the boat. The entire vessel had to be resurveyed in order to identify the remaining systems before the redesign could incorporate the new systems required. These included complete re-wiring with LV and HV distribution systems, a complete new electronics package, and removal of the existing computerised systems, to be replaced by the installation of the new and appropriate system required by the Kent Police.

With regard to interior fitments, a new galley was designed and installed, together with living accommodation for a crew of four. The wheelhouse was completely refurbished and the console re-designed, with new control systems for the helm and navigator positions.

Working alongside Finnings, the Caterpillar engines were overhauled and a new control system was installed at the helm and flydeck. The hydraulics systems were overhauled and the Pyrogen was re-wired, upgraded and certificated.

All the RNLI colours were removed and repainted with those of the Kent Police. The work was overseen on behalf of the Kent Police by marine surveyor Jonathan Leach. Works were completed over an eight month period, during which time the experienced Seawind Barclay Curle workforce successfully met a number of unexpected challenges as they arose.

Images for this article - click to enlarge

Seawind

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