The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft, je
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FAR LEFT: One of the Caterpillar marine diesels LEFT: The main valve chest feel comfortable joining the captain in his domain. The Black Pearl carries a full suite of electronics engineered and installed by Nav Station. The package consists predominantly of Furuno hardware, including a 96-mile 25kW ARPA radar, a secondary radar, a NavNet Stepping outside and behind the bridge structure is the boat deck, where the main RHIB tender is stowed, along with two personal watercraft and other water toys. This space is also the muster station and life-raft deployment point. For'ard against the back of the bridge is the outdoor hospitality area, including a barbecue and bar. As we step into the main pilothouse, we see this space is not your traditional bridge. While it is the main command centre of the ship, where the captain or crew can operate safely without disturbing anyone, the layout is very relaxed and orderly. There is a settee and tables at the rear of the pilothouse where guests can relax and chat. Remembering this is an expedition vessel designed to take folk to isolated, exotic places where there is much to experience and learn, it's important for everyone to 3D black box charting sounder, a GP37 GPS, a weather fax, AIS and Furuno Inmarsat SatC and a satellite compass. The pilothouse has 19in Hatteland displays, while the flybridge has 15in displays. There is a Maretron instrument and engine monitoring system plus closed-circuit cameras in the engineroom and looking over the aft deck. The meticulous attention to detail extends to the exterior. Her topsides are finished in Awlcraft 2000 SE (Special Effects), a fast-drying, acrylic urethane high gloss. Along with the Awlcraft metallic paint, it gives the hull a special effect. This was the first job of its kind finished in New Zealand and Australia using this "base" coat technology. It defies belief that she started as a great- looking alloy hull and now is not far short of perfect. Another break with tradition is the cable deck layout MARINE ENGINES | INDUSTRIAL | GENERATORS | SOLAR Power Solutions Heavy duty Continuous rated Low rpm Low fuel use incorporating twin Maxwell 6000 capstan and warping drums, and positioning the two anchors one above the other on the stem. The outcome is nice to look at and practical, keeping the cable away from the stem when at anchor. The Black Pearl is in a class of her own. While she is able to turn admiring heads, her looks don't detract from her primary role of extensive expedition-style cruising. Her voyages will take her far beyond the Pacific Ocean and the black pearls from which she attracted her name. She is clearly an excellent example of what can be done when building vessels to class for a discerning international market. The use of a respected, proven management company has demonstrated their ability to attract the best New Zealand boatbuilding trades and bring them together to build a world-class small ship. ■ PROVEN RELIABILITY BEST PRICING IN NEW ZEALAND 160-1200 HP PHONE 09 299 6019 www.leesgroup.com 182 Great South Road, Takanini, Auckland email marine@leesgroup.co.nz 030_LG_advert_workboatyearbk.indd 1 8 NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012 Length Beam Draft Displacement (light) Engines Power Fuel Water Service speed Range Gearbox Designer Builder Project management Estimated price delivered 16/11/11 8:36 AM 31.6m 7.85m 2.05m 125 tonnes 2 x Caterpillar C18 A marine diesels 2 x 437kW 28,500 litres 6000 litres 12 knots 3500 miles @ 12 knots ZF 2150 LOMOcean Profab Central Engineering Diverse Projects $20 million VIP.WB12 specifications "T hous he po marine engine wf e er o s "