Seawork highs bring Low Countries success

Whilst sales continue to expand to wider global markets, an increasing percentage of Cheetah’s orders are originating from neighbouring European countries, which has much to do with the Isle of Wight based workboat builder’s annual appearance on the Seawork pontoon.

Nowhere is this more evident than on the Lowland Coast, where Cheetah agent Jan de Jonghe said eight years ago: “Once we get one Cheetah in Belgium or Holland, the orders will follow.’Each year since Jan has attended Seawork with his Dutch and Belgian clients and made that statement a self-fulfilling prophecy..

At Seawork 2014, Cheetah Marine will be exhibiting a range of catamarans including the first Suzuki powered vessel to feature the joystick controlled Side Steer system first demonstrated during Seawork 2013 onboard the company’s versatile SeaSafari.

Another first is Cheetah’s latest prototype, a 9.95m model with petrol outboards which have been optimized to run on hydrogen. Hydrogen power as an alternative fuel follows the trend of recent deliveries to the Lowlands, where engines have been converted to run on LPG reflecting the consumers’ growing requirements for alternatives to petrol and diesel.

During mid-February two of the latest 9m series were launched and trialled ready for their maiden voyage to the Continent. Both Cheetahs are powered by twin Honda 250hp outboards and will be converted to run on LPG. Setting off at a leisurely 10:00 on 19 February, the Cheetahs reached their new home ports of Neeltje Jans in Holland and Nieuwpoort in Belgium by nightfall, with crews comprised of family and friends who were keen to get a slice of the action.

One of those onboard, marine electronic engineer Ivan Maertens, summed up the reaction when he said: “I’ve worked on a lot of boats. This design is unbeatable. It would be a miracle that anyone in the world could design a better under 10m angling boat.”