Ophardt adds high performance to commercial marine range

This builder has pioneered the use of automated construction methods for the construction of hulls in an effort to reduce costs and to speed up production and the yard offers a range of hull designs constructed this way either for other yards to outfit or for completion in house.

The three new designs have been developed by Norson Design, a specialised company focussing on high performance. All are based on deep vee hulls using a unique system developed to facilitate the automated welding system. This involves the bottom plating made from strakes that overlap each other as they progress towards the chine thus forming the spray rails which are integral with the hull. All hulls are constructed from marine grade aluminium.

At present two sizes of hull have been developed, a 9.6 metre and a 12 metre. The smaller design features a single step deep vee hull whilst the larger one has three steps. At the bow there is a gentle rise with the chine almost reaching deck level. In standard form these hulls are fitted with a pronounced foam fender in RIB style but it is also possible to fit an inflatable tube in RIB style to the larger hull. The fuel tank is built into the hull and is adequate to offer these boats a significant range which can be over 350 miles on the larger hull.

Outboard power is the standard and the number and power of these is specified by the operator with up to three outboards being possible on the 12 metre. Standard brackets for mounting the outboards are bolted to the transom and these can be hydraulically adjusted. The maximum speed potential of the 9.6 metre is 60 knots and for the 12 metre it is 70 knots.

The hulls can be fitted out for a variety of uses such as patrol and workboat operations. This can include a simple control console up to a full enclosed wheelhouse and seating and equipment can be specified as required.

It is planned to offer a smaller 7 metre version to the range at a later date.