When You Demand Strength and Sea-Keeping
World Speed Record holders with our own vessel and crew
Wildcat 53 Twin Deck
Hydrographic
16m
Symmetrical hull, high buoyancy bow catamaran offering excellent sea keeping, stability and impressive accommodation and deck space, suitable for Hyrdopgraphic Survey and a multitude of operational roles.
Design
Safehaven Marine have launched another of their Wildcat 53 catamarans, this time destined for Kuwait to K.I.S.R. ( the Kuwait institute of scientific research) This is the 5th Wildcat 53 built by Safehaven with the design proving very successful. The hull features high buoyancy bows and a high bridge deck providing excellent seakeeping and rough weather capabilities as well as economy and load carrying capabilities. Powered by a pair of Caterpillar C18 engines rated at 873hp and Twin Disc 5145SC gearboxes , the vessel achieved 28kts on sea trials and has a 33,000kg fully loaded displacement. Conventional sterngear was chosen for its dependability and low maintenance as well as economy at medium speeds, and was supplied by Clements Engineering in the UK. The vessel has been specifically designed and outfitted for hydrographic research and survey roles in the maritime waters off the coast of Kuwait and its region, as such the vessel features an ‘Island’ wheelhouse configuration with a raised helm / navigation position which is fitted with a full array of Raymarine navigation equipment centred around multiple C127 colour displays for radar, plotter and sounders. The cabin design allows for a high degree of crew safety with, safe secure bulwarks all round. A large bow working area and a spacious aft deck which features a wide transom gate fitted with a hydraulic tilting ‘A’ frame, allowing sonar and research equipment to be deployed safely of the transom and easily recovered. Twin dive platforms provide waterline access. The working area is fitted with twin 1,000kg slip ring hydraulic winches and a 1 ton capstan. In addition the vessel is fitted with a moon pool positioned in her aft deck, and fitted with Safehaven’s own proven design of multi-beam sonar transducer deployment system, allowing transducers to be quickly interchanged and lowered hydraulically to below keel line. This means the valuable transducers can be raised up to above deck during transits and when not in use. A Palfinger PC2700 hydraulic slewing crane facilitates working on deck and cargo transfer. Her accommodation features a fully equipped galley in the port hull and 4x sleeping berths in the st/bd hull, her main cabin comprises a dinette living area and large hydrographic work benches incorporating computer racking underneath, Mc Murdo weather station and computer screens.
Interior
Another useful feature is the incorporation of a wet room for water sampling that houses sinks and work benches, and is to be fitted with a Ferry Box mini. The vessel has been designed for very hot climates and as such has light coloured external surfaces to reflect heat, an insulated cabin and is fitted with 4x 27,000 btu air-conditioning units , her over 100,000btu of air-conditioning is over specked but should easily ensure efficient cooling, and a comfortable living area for her crew in the often extreme temperatures encountered in this region, witch can become close to 50 degrees in summer months. A 23kw Westerbeeke AC generator supplies power to the air con units as well as AC power throughout the vessels accommodation and working areas.
Engineering
Construction is GRP composite with typical bottom laminates of 5,700gm2 with closely spaced transverse framing at 500mm centres providing a very strong and durable structure. The hull, deck and superstructure have plan approval from Lloyds for service area / passenger vessel, and built under Lloyds survey for her hull. Classification was through the MCA and the vessel is certified class 2, 60nm offshore. Fendering is heavy duty 150x100mm 'D' section rubber all around her deck edge to protect the hull when alongside.
Powered by a pair of Caterpillar C18 engines rated at 873hp and driving through Twin Disc 5145SC gearboxes, the vessel has achieved 28 knots on sea trials.