Isle of Wight-based BVD Marine will showcase its range of Coastworker boats at Seawork International 2016.
The Fastworker 25 is fitted with two Hyundai 2.2L 170HP diesel engines driving through Mercruiser Bravo 1X sterndrives with counter-rotating propellers.
It can provide a high top speed well in excess of 30 knots, while allowing the boat to cruise at 20 knots for up to ten hours. This gives it a range of almost 200 nautical miles.
The Coastworker range also have large pulling power for towing either other boats or oil spill containment devices which need rapid deployment.
As an all-round general purpose workboat it can perform a multitude of roles, while in the event of damage it aims to be easily repairable so that it can be back into operation with the minimum downtime.
Coastworker boats have the option of being fitted with either inboard petrol or diesel engines, or single or twin outboard petrol engines, depending on the precise needs of the customer.
The company is also planning to build larger prototype versions of approximately 30 and 35 feet in length that will all have the same features with the additional advantage of being able to be custom built to suit each prospective customer’s specific requirements.
Demand for hard boats or rigid craft in materials such as aluminium has grown over the years. Michael Brackenbury, managing director of BVD Marine, explained that he believes heavy duty workboats with solid fendering and a forward cabin or cuddy have a great deal more scope than an open RIB for the offshore industry.
Visit BVD Marine/Coastworker Boats at Seawork International 2016 on stand VA 01.
By Alice Mason