Cat follows trial with fisherman’s friend
Gwen-Paul-M is seen during sea trials prior to delivery last month.
Portchester UK based BWSeaCat Ltd launched the sixth in its unique S.P.E.E.D. series of displacement catamarans for Carl Davies of Conwy in North Wales last month.
Having paid a deposit the day after a sea trial with Grahame Knott of Weymouth aboard Knott’s S.P.E.E.D. Eleven catamaran, Wey Chieftain 4, Davies set about designing the layout for his new vessel, drawing on all the lessons learned from many years in the commercial fishing industry.
Set up predominantly for potting but with the ability to cater for charter anglers, Gwen-Paul-M features a custom made gunwale roller complete with table, pedestal and stern shooting door, all fabricated in marine grade aluminium by Solent Engineering. This set up is complimented by a Hydroslave hydraulic hauler and engine mounted pump and clutch. The table can be removed and stowed for angling trips.
On deck, the wheelhouse has been cut away at an angle to facilitate the hauling position being as far forward as possible whilst retaining sufficient space in the wheelhouse to seat three plus the helm and provide for a small galley with sink, pumped water tank and microwave.
Forward, the wheelhouse is married to a forepeak section which creates a large storage space and to which access can be gained from within the wheelhouse. The deck aft is left uncluttered and is kept clean by an under the gunwale mounted hose reel fed by a pressure washer located in the starboard under deck storage compartment forward of the engine room. Opposite this in the port hull is a large insulated fish room.
Propulsive power is provided by Nanni T4D 200 hp common rail Toyota-based diesel units which deliver two litre per mile fuel figures for the vessel at 16 to 17 knots. An AC generator sits between the engine and the gearbox on the port side, with the hydraulic pump and clutch being front mounted on a custom bracket from Solent Engineering on the starboard side. Both engines are fed by their own TEK Tanks 375 litre plastic fuel tank via Racor filters.
Clements Engineering has again supplied the highly efficient stern gear set up as used on all S.P.E.E.D. Catamarans. Four bladed smooth running propellers deliver the power via 2.45:1 Tuff Torq 8° down angle gearboxes, giving the vessel a sprint speed of 22 knots and economical cruising at 17 knots.
Following the launch of this vessel, the company is well progressed with the build of Silver Spray 2 for Andy and Sam Cummings of Poole. Set up for charter angling, with a large walk-around style island wheelhouse and again powered by the 200 hp Nanni units, this vessel is to be run in conjunction with the pair’s existing aluminium catamaran Silver Spray, and will ensure the future of their successful family business.
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