New patrol boats complete sea trials

In an unusual early sea trial, crew on the 16m patrol vessel for the Italian Coastguard recorded speeds of up to 38 knots, thanks to Castoldi’s latest Turbodrive 400 HCT waterjets. Both vessels also have Castoldi’s latest ACES control system.

“This new generation, high performance boat, christened CP335 and designed and constructed in Italy by FB Design, began its life with a demanding cruise from Venice to Puglia in winter sea conditions,” said Castoldi owner Giacomo Castoldi. ”The crew recorded speeds up to 38 knots, which is higher than the maximum forecast by the designers, underscoring the efficiency of the Turbodrive 400 HCT.”

Named because of its 400mm jet housing, integrated gearbox/hydraulic clutch and high thrust efficiency, the Turbodrive 400 HCT is the latest size in a new range of waterjets that have been designed using the latest and most advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics software, making them up to12% more efficient than previous waterjets, Castoldi says.

”The Castoldi Turbodrive 400 HCT waterjets with their ACES control system can deliver boat-handling and seamanship miracles, and the whole package is wrapped up in the distinctive lines provided by FB Design,” says Castoldi. “It’s wonderful to provide our technological expertise and proven reliability to back up the performance of this Italian-built boat that stands to protect our waters for many years to come.”

The fisheries patrol vessel was built at Germany’s Rostock shipyard and will patrol the cold waters of the Baltic Sea year in, year out.

Because Castoldi waterjets feature an integrated gearbox and multi-disc hydraulic clutch, the drive can be engaged and disengaged without stopping the engine.