The design team of ‘Bubbles’ have been very happy and satisfied with the performance of this new 20m high-speed Dive Boat. The design is based on the “Sea Cat” semi-displacement hull which is proven in large seas and features high wing clearance, deep vee rounded chine hull forms and extra strong structure and plating for extended life and in this case plumb bow with nose cone. This is the latest generation of the Seacat hull and compares really well with the first Seacat 20 launched in 1997 (24.9 knots full load operation speed) and proves that the design development is working well.
The design was developed in accordance with client, Graham Jones at Calypso Reef Charters. “Bubbles” joins the fleet as a Dive and Snorkel day cruise boat, carrying out day trips to the Great Barrier Reef from the tourist port of Port Douglas. Each morning the stylish dive vessel will head out to the reef full of eager tourists from around the world and cruise to the reef to experience 2-3 dives, at pristine sites such as Agincourt and Opal Reefs.
This version features walk around sides on the upper deck with large fwd and aft decks with lounge seating big enough for passengers to lie down. The lower deck features a spacious air conditioned day cabin with side located galley, servery and refrigeration to allow for the service of lunch and refreshments during the cruise. The foredeck is the most popular section of the boat and is extremely large with ample space for up to 40-50 passengers.
The aft’ dive deck has four toilets including hot and cold water showers and wet suit lockers. The two stage hydraulic platform allows the passengers open access to the ocean, when down creates a dive stairwell and when up is clear of the water for high speed cruising and tender support.
Large fuel capacity matched with fuel efficient hulls give extended range capabilities for delivery voyages or in an accommodation version extended cruising time. The powering is via twin Detroit S60 Engines (499kw) and prop/shaft for a speed of 27-28 knots with a light load. The 24.9 knots full load operation speed was easily reached. Fuel consumption is amazing with 23-24knots cruising speed at 100ltrs/hr each engine and super economy speed of 20 knots at 75 ltrs/hr per side.
The design and kit combination (kit option 2) has been prepared in accordance with the NSCV Class 1C (96 divers plus 4 crew) criteria with Hull and Engineering to Lloyds SSC standard for offshore operations, enabling operation in most all countries.
