Refitted river cruiser ready to sail

Following removal of the deck structures degradation of the hull structure was found behind the rubber fendering along the sides and aft in the peak space below the toilets. The latter was due largely to water permeating over the years between the toilet sole coverings and the steel deck, eventually penetrating the deck into the spaces below. These problems aft resulted in a new stern end being fabricated and the overall length of the vessel being increased by 0.8m.

To improve the stability characteristics and to provide a completely flush deck within the accommodation spaces, the main deck was raised by 400mm and the original steel deck structures were replaced in aluminium alloy.

The rebuilt Mayflower Garden has an overall length of 26.70m and a moulded breadth of 5.86m. In its original configuration with capacity for 250 passengers the full load displacement was 105 tons. The overall passenger capacity has been retained but the displacement has been reduced to 94 tons. Certification is MCA class V passenger certificate for operations in category C waters. Although normally plying between Westminster and Greenwich, the passenger certificate allows operations as far down river as Gravesend.

The new Mayflower Garden, with its now modern superstructure and clean lines is a sleek river passenger vessel. It is only upon close examination of the hull that there is any clue as to the actual age.

Because of the extensive nature of the refit the MCA ruled that for the purposes of passenger certification the vessel would be deemed as being new and should therefore meet the latest passenger ship regulations and stability criteria. The only exception to its thorough renewal was the retention of the original Gardner 8LXB main engine and the Perkins generators. Gardner Marine Diesels carried out a complete rebuild of the main engine and Manor Marine overhauled the generating plant. Despite having only 170bhp available, the Mayflower Garden is capable of around 11 knots. The stern and rudder gear was all removed, generally found to be in good order, serviced and placed back in the vessel.

There are two machinery compartments, the engine room and generator space. The engine room contains the main engine and DC batteries only. Within the generator space are two 27 kVA 220/1/50 generators and the 220 v AC fire pump. All domestic machinery, including an Aqua Major water pressure set and Hyco Everlast calorifier, are in the aft store.

Passengers are accommodated on two decks, the fully enclosed main deck and an open upper deck which has the wheelhouse forward. Both the arrangement and fitout standards are intended to provide premium class passenger accommodation. Although only certified for 250 persons, there is seating for 98 on the main deck and 176 on the upper deck. This provides maximum seating on the open upper deck for sight seeing during the day and comfortable but flexible accommodation on the main deck for corporate hospitality or evening dinner cruises, and includes the facilities for live entertainment.

The aluminium deckhouse incorporates large, fixed, dark tinted windows throughout by Houdini Marine Windows that provide excellent all round visibility for the passengers, who are seated in the forward portion of the structure. No opening windows are necessary as the internal spaces are air conditioned using a Mitsubishi system from Nauticool, The air handlers are deckhead mounted within the accommodation and the compressor units are under the wheelhouse console. It is a reverse cycle system which provides heating as well as cooling.

Forward in the deckhouse are loose tables and chairs for 36 persons, with a dance floor for functions or evening dinners. These can be removed and stowed below providing space for live entertainment and access to the dance floor. Excellent sound reproduction throughout is achieved with an integrated mixer/amplifier unit at the entertainer’s position along with a professionally designed and built speaker system, plus a hard drive, CD player and another amplifier in the bar for background music.

The mid-part of the accommodation comprises fixed seating and tables for 60 persons, aft of which is the bar to port and coats stowage to starboard. Care has been taken to create an eye catching but functional bar with a lacquered hard wood counter, stainless steel outfitting, glass display shelves, and mirrored bulkheads with both dimming and variable function lighting. Equipment includes a Quooker water boiler system, Lec bottle coolers and refrigerator, ice maker and microwave. Ample worktop space has been arranged for the placement of chafing dishes at dinner functions.

At the stern are three toilet compartments for ladies, ladies/disabled, and gentlemen. Again the emphasis is on spaciousness, quality and ease of use. The spaces have granite tiled soles, Armitage Shanks vitreous china sanitary ware, including bulkhead mounted toilet pans and concealed cisterns with stainless steel fittings from Pland or Sissons.

Within the accommodation spaces, which are fitted out to a high standard, the Promat linings and bulkheads and Dampa deckheads are generally matt white with contrasting upholstery. There are carpets and panels in the bar and toilet areas plus lacquered timber trim, wood grain vinyl aisles and various features including matt stainless steel mullions between the windows. These give a feeling of sophistication whilst providing a durable and functional area both for daytime sight seeing and evening dining.

The upper deck is open, reached by companionways to port and starboard towards the stern. Seating is individual pan type in rows for 176 persons facing forward with ample leg room between rows. The aim is to provide comfort, good all round visibility and wide aisles for access. Forward is the raised wheelhouse with seating for both Captain and mate.

There is comprehensive instrumentation, including echo sounder, AIS, GPS, CCTV, intercom and public address systems plus all the statutory equipment.