Cheetahs prowling the pontoons

The Isle of Wight, UK boatbuilder says that the catamarans on display will demonstrate the large work area available on a safe and stable work platform, underlining the earning capacity of the Cheetah Catamaran. Amongst the 3 models on display will be a new disabled accessible power catamaran. Currently Cheetah’s largest series, the popular 10m series available from 9m to 11.2m with a 3.7m beam has been well received in both the workboat and recreational market.

Following from the success of famous disabled sailor and accessibility campaigner Geoff Holt’s original Wetwheels concept, Cheetah Marine has built a third catamaran for the Foundation. In following to Geoff’s original concept, Wetwheels Hamble is designed for helm operation from a wheelchair and is fully accessible to people of all disabilities and ages. Wetwheels Hamble is supported by the Royal Southern Yacht Club where she will be based. The wheelhouse roof will also feature a bespoke race starting platform for use at Club events.

Meanwhile at Cheetah, testing is underway of a hydrogen powered catamaran. During initial sea trials the converted Honda engine produced top speeds of 11 knots and is the first marine example where a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) producing only water without any CO2 emissions has been used for propulsion. Sea trials will continue into the spring.

Further proving this forward thinking company’s ethos towards next generation propulsion, Cheetah has also been working in Partnership with Southampton based Proteum Marine and will be exhibiting the new OXE diesel outboards aboard a Cheetah R&D hull. OXE is a new type high performance diesel outboard which is mounted horizontally, setting new standards for durability, fuel-efficiency and low emissions for diesel outboard engines.

Sean Strevens, designer and founder of Cheetah Marine who has personally exhibited at every Seawork said: “Without doubt, Cheetah Marine has benefited from the growing overseas interest which the show attracts. Not just in terms of visitor numbers but the quality of the attendees. In just the past year we have delivered Cheetah Catamarans to France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Ireland and Hong Kong.”

“Seawork is an ideal place to meet both professional buyers and existing customers and talk about future requirements. We also spend time with our own suppliers and look at developments which will give us new opportunities in the future.”

Visit Cheetah Marine LLP at Seawork International 2016 on stand VA32

By Jake Frith