When You Demand Strength and Sea-Keeping
World Speed Record holders with our own vessel and crew
T-2000 VOYAGER
T-2000 Voyager. 20m High performance, long range, semi wave piercing hydrofoil supported blue water explorer catamaran.
Design overview
The T-2000 ‘VOYAGER’ is a Safehaven Marine designed high speed, long range, blue water explorer catamaran. Its main design remit was for a vessel providing the best efficiency, economy and range in its size bracket at higher cruising speeds circa 30-40kts, but also be equally efficient and economical at lower planning and semi-planning speeds right down to displacement speeds, and to be capable of, due to her large fuel capacity of an extremely long range at these speeds: (1,000nm+ at 30kts and 1,700nm at 16kts and over 3,000nm+ at 9-10kts). As such Voyager is capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean non-stop. The T-2000 Voyager perfectly fulfils the role of an ‘Explorer’ yacht and will appeal to an owner looking to explore remote and occasionally inhospitable locations but who, on occasion wishes to get there fast and take advantage of favourable weather windows, but not at the sacrifice of comfort and excitement. Combining potentially a very high speed capability of well over 50kts when fitted with the largest engine options, with exceptionally good seakeeping abilities enabling high cruising speeds of circa 30kts+ to be maintained in even moderately rough sea conditions. Blue water cruising can inevitably mean bad weather is encountered simply due to the long distances involved, and when encountered a true blue water yacht must be able to deal with such situations. Drawing upon Safehaven Marines 25 years of experience in building commercial all weather pilot, S.A.R. and patrol craft, Voyager is capable of true ‘all weather’ operation. The design also draws from Safehaven’s experience in setting multiple UIM World long distance speed records, (in 2021 Safehaven set a World record in their XSV20 demonstrator Thunder Child II for crossing the inhospitable North Atlantic from Ireland to Iceland, an 862nm voyage at an average speed of 30kts). As such Voyager will be well able to deal with hard weather, and be able to safely weather a storm at sea and do so in comfort, as the interior design incorporates a high degree of luxury in its fit out and will be equally at home cruising and entertaining in the mediteranian.
Below: A couple of examples of Safehaven’ Marines more than 150 all weather commercial vessels, an Interceptor 48 and HMS Magpie built for the Royal Navy in heavy weather, together with the UIM World record setting private motoryacht XSV20 Thunder Child II.
Hull Design. The T-2000 Voyager features hydrofoil supported symmetrical semi-wave piercing hulls that combine an inverted bow with traditional topside flare. The inverted bow provides a very fine waterline entry to cut through waves but also maximises waterline length, thereby increasing its displacement hull speed and corresponding efficiency whilst the topside flare keeps the boat dry, throwing spray clear and preventing excessive bow immersion in following seas. The bridge deck is terminated 3.5m from the bows to eliminate the possibility of waves slamming on the bridge deck forward in large steep head seas when inevitably forced to slow down, (traditionally the Achilles heel of catamaran designs). Additionally the bridge deck to waterline clearance is substantial, being a minimum of 1m at the transom. The inner bows incorporates a substantial wave and spray deflector below the deck edge to turn down any solid water or spray running up the bow and coming aboard forward of the bridge deck. The hulls also feature a double chine arrangement to ensure the boat has a very dry ride. Overall the visual design of T-2000 is very graceful being exceptionally sleek, far removed from the typical boxy looks of most catamarans and in side profile has the looks of a sports monohull yacht.
A hydrofoil is optionally incorporated which improves efficiency at higher speeds by as much as 20% with little low speed penalty, lifting the hull out of the water at speeds over 20kts reducing drag and resistance. Its design and position being optimised through CFD, as were the hulls spacing which, at a 6.2m beam proved optimum for wake interaction, and 6.2m, (which could be considered moderate for its length) provided the best compromise between static stability and dynamic behaviour in waves. The moderate beam eliminates the sometimes uncomfortable motion very wide beam cats can have in a seaway on certain courses, whereas the T-2000 in essence rides like a monohull that doesn’t roll or yaw in beam and following seas, or slam in head seas. Its moderate beam also makes the T-2000 ‘marina friendly’.
With an L.O.A. of 20m the Performance of Voyager for her size is extremely impressive. The first of class being powered by a pair of MAN V12 1,550hp engines and Twin Disc MGX5146A gearboxes with surface drive propulsion from a pair of France Helices SD5 drives. Surface drives were chosen as they provide the best efficiency at higher cruise speeds (circa 35-45kts), and the surface drives props are vented for smooth low speed operation. A maximum speed of well over 50kts makes her one of the fastest boats of her size around, comprehensively fulfilling the ‘high performance’ brief and providing excitement in abundance, yet the design almost uniquely also offers ‘Trawler style yacht’ range and ocean crossing capabilities. Close quarters manoeuvring is assisted by large and powerful twin bow thrusters and twin stern thrusters incorporating ‘variable speed’ capability, allowing the vessel to be held against the quay or marina whilst being tied up or cast off, a real advantage when short-handed or mooring in adverse conditions. The powerful thrusters combined with the gearboxes ‘Quick shift’ low speed function ensure the T-2000 is very easy to operate when berthing.
Being fully custom built Voyager can be specified with a range of engines and propulsion systems. Alternative propulsion systems such as Volvo IPS, Waterjets and conventional shaft drive are available where still very fast maximum speeds of circa 40kts are adequate.
Designed for a crew of five, the very spacious luxuriously appointed main cabin features a central helm with a two seats, and a navigators seat to st/bd, all being air suspension Grammer shock mitigation seating. The helm position features a ‘floating’ console wide enough to house the three Garmin 19” displays in a glass helm effect. A lower dividing console between the seats houses the dedicated Empire Buss touch screen boat systems control panel, allowing all the boats various systems to be monitored and controlled from the helm. This central console also brings the engine controls close to hand as well as housing the thruster and surface drive trim controls for quick and easy operation. The navigators position features a glass digital chart table housing a 40” touch screen, allowing route planning to be comfortably undertake. To port alongside the helm area is positioned a lounging settee with a table seating 2-3, this provides a sociable area forward allowing passengers to also enjoy the view forward underway. Aft lies a full galley featuring a ‘U’ shaped corian worktop incorporating a twin sink, 250v electric hob, convection oven and microwave. The galley area contains a large fridge and freezer along with a compact dishwasher and plenty of storage drawers. The inboard side of the worktop incorporates a concealed 42” TV electrically lifted and viewed from the elevated large five seat dinette seating opposite. The table here is a split design on electric pedestals, allowing the area to convert to a large berth. A unique feature of the main cabin is the ‘Glass floor’ section behind the helm, giving a spectacular view of the hydrofoil in operation at speed underway, as well as providing a cool ambience to the cabin when moored from LED lighting within the bridge deck.
Above, the main cabin arrangement and below the forward accommodation sleeping areas.
Sleeping accommodation is provided between three cabins in the forward hulls, one being a spacious master’s cabin in the st/bd hull with the large king sized bed extending over the bridge deck. Outboard here is a lower seating area with a bureau and provides a great view just above the waterline through windows, the individual windows for safety are kept relatively small and being of 12mm thick toughened glass are very strong, but combined they give a wide view of the seascape. The forward area of the master cabin incorporates storage in the form of standing lockers and cupboards. The area also houses the washer / dryer. Storage is further maximised by under deck compartments accessed via hatches. These under deck storage compartments are situated throughout the accommodation to provide the necessary storage capabilities for long distance voyages. The forward area of the st/bd cabin features a large bathroom with a long corian worktop housing a sink, with upper and lower cabinets housing drawers and lockers with the forward most area of the bathroom being a large shower compartment.
The port hull features two cabins. An aft VIP guest cabin, accessed from the port side of the main cabin features a large double berth forward and a single berth, seating provides comfortable lounging with views across the water. Large full height cupboards provide storage, as does a large under berth drawer. An en suite bathroom with shower lies at the aft of the cabin. Both Master and VIP compartments are accessed from the main cabin via a sliding doors and steps.
A third separate crew cabin fitted with twin bunk berths and a bathroom / shower compartment is accessed via a hatch on the foredeck. Aft in the st/bd hull a door provides access to a machinery and electrical area housing batteries, electrical enclosures and the fuel polishing systems. A second electrical compartment is incorporated under the helm and accessed from the port hull steps. Utility wise two Dometic 27000btu air-conditioning units ensure a comfortable environment and a 30l/phr water maker combined with a 400L fresh water tank provides the necessary capabilities for fresh water during long voyages. An 18kw 240v AC generator and 5kw inverter provides AC power aboard both underway and at anchor.
The very spacious aft deck area incorporates a ‘U’ shaped seating module with storage underneath and a large folding table on a pedestal for both comfortable underway seating and moored entertaining. A module incorporating a barbeque, sink and fridge provides dining and entertaining facilities for the aft deck. A 250kg SWL slewing deck crane with winch is fitted across the transom enabling easy launching of a 3.0m RIB which is stowed outboard off the transom on support arms forming a cradle, the arms are hinged allowing them to be stowed back against the transom when not in use. The RIB is stored very securely high above the waterline for safety in heavy weather. A forward lounging area with removable cushions and table is situated in a well deck quickly drained through the bridge deck by two large 4” scuppers, allowing the well area to be cleared of water in 8 seconds. Each bow is fitted with an anchor (two anchors for safety) and a bridle system. Two 2000w windlasses fitted with capstans facilitate the launch and retrieval of the two stainless steel Delta anchors, with chain stored below in large anchor lockers accessed by a strong watertight hatch and ladder on each foredeck. The large anchor lockers also provide a storage area for fenders, warps etc with the st/bd compartment also housing a workshop area fitted with a workbench and vice. Stern to mooring is assisted by two capstans at the transom quarters.
A flybridge is accessed from the aft deck via a substantial stainless steel ladder with wide teak steps and hand rail. The flybridge incorporates a two seat helm position, the console being electrically adjustable for height allowing a sporty low seating position for helming underway, but can be raised 50cm to allow standing at the helm when undertaking close quarters docking manoeuvres. A large ‘U’ shaped seating area with a table allows for comfortable lounging and entertaining underway. Each transom incorporates a transom platform. Taking into account the designs rough weather capabilities the platforms form an open structure with individual steps clear of the water and a grated aft boarding section. The design prevents any slamming that would occur in very heavy weather from the typical common design of a large flat bottomed platform close to the waterline. The aft deck side buttresses as well as forming a graceful styling feature incorporate the engine ventilation inlets, with the air-in ventilation via a mist-air eliminator high above the water. This arrangement prevents any spray or water entering the ER in heavy seas and keeps the ventilation area separated from the main cabin for low interior noise levels. The aft, side decks and forward decks as well as the flybridge are laid in teak and holy synthetic decking for low maintenance and durability. The side, foredeck and aft deck areas are enclosed by railings .8-1m, high ensuring all deck areas are safely accessed by the crew.
Each engine room is accessed via a large watertight hatch and ladder from the aft deck. Each ER is fully lined with sound-proofing and fire-proofing material. Housing all the main machinery the engine rooms are spacious and provide good access to all serviceable systems and equipment. The first of class T-2000 is fitted with a valved exhaust system, incorporating by-pass valves allowing switching between watertrap silencers for quite running or straight through, allowing the exhaust note from her V12 engines to be appreciated when offshore emitting a fantastic exhaust sound befitting her extreme performance.
