Ship & Boat International: eNews February 2019
The Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) of the Isle of Wight (IoW) has shopped locally for its next patrol craft, having awarded a contract for a new aluminium RIB to Cowes-based builder Diverse Marine.
The boat will be fitted with a single Volvo Penta D4 engine and Hamilton HJ274 waterjet, enabling speeds in excess of 30knots in light conditions. Other features will include a flush deck with a track system: this will enable crew to mount additional seats if deemed necessary, and will facilitate the carriage of stores and equipment.
Designed by Medtec, also of Cowes, the RIB will feature a foam-filled bow and 500mm, D-shaped heavy-duty inflatable tubes to “maximise the internal beam while allowing soft landing against visiting yachts”, Diverse Marine explains.
The RIB will measure 9.1m in overall length – a reduction of some 600mm on its initial specs. Diverse Marine tells Ship & Boat International: “Length was reduced by pocketing the waterjet into the transom slightly and shortening the jet guard.” The boat will also feature a hull beam of 2.5m (or 3m overall, when factoring in tubes and fenders) and a depth of 2.7m between the top of the bimini and the design waterline.
The RIB is designed to draw 0.45m and displace 2.4tonnes, and will feature a freeboard of 0.98m at the aft, 1m amidships and 1.5m forward. Delivery to the CHC is expected in early May this year.
