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and cockpit liner create a strong and rigid hull form. The wheelhouse structure is handcrafted from marine- grade plywood and timber, sheathed in epoxy glass, to give some cabin options in future vessels. The fitted windows are of toughened glass. On the foredeck, a small, raised bulwark encases the Maxwell anchor winch and the main single mooring bollard. Underneath, in what could be called the forepeak, a crawl space lined with Frontrunner-type fabric is fitted with squabs to give a comfortable V-berth for those who want to rest or sleep overnight. A workboat version is available with a more utilitarian look and cabin design, with substantial beltings and fenders. The Scupper 21 is powered by an inboard 75kW Nanni marine diesel engine coupled to a ZF25A 2:1 hydraulic gearbox with an SS2205 stainless steel conventional shaft drive. This turns a four-blade bronze 19 x 16 right-hand propeller. Ideally, a 45kW motor with the same reduction would deliver a service speed of 8-9 knots and a top speed of around 12 knots, remembering she is not a planing hull. At present the propeller is overpitched because once the engine is in gear at idle she is doing 4.5 knots, a tad fast for manoeuvring in marinas. It is intended to knock a bit of pitch off to bring her back to 2.5 knots at idle. This will also reduce the top speed, which in her case will not be missed. Hydraulic steering is coupled to a stainless steel rudderstock and blade with a solid stainless steel shoe protecting the propeller. A hinged hatch that doubles as a cockpit seat opens to provide access to the machinery space, which is completely lined with sound insulation. The wet exhaust discharges under the transom boarding platform, while the steering gear is housed within the enclosed transom and accessed by a large door. On top to port is an insulated live bait well or ice-box and there is room on the opposite side to install a small sink. Two hatches, one on either side, access spacious stowage in the voids under the coamings. This Scupper 21 has been built and engineered in the same manner as much larger vessels, with features like Racor primary fuel filters, although she only has a 90 litre fuel tank. The commercial workboat version can be fitted with a tank holding up to 350 litres. Other equipment includes a full engine instrument panel with alarms, separate start and house battery banks and hydraulic steering. All her deck fittings are stainless steel, chromed brass or bronze. Other standard equipment includes navigation lights, a full electric circuit switchboard, an electric bilge pump, mooring cleats, a bollard, five cockpit lockers, a wheelhouse hatch, interior lights, a fire extinguisher and a VHF radio. The vessels can be finished to comply with Maritime New Zealand safe ship management and every hull will comply with their layup and construction standards. An extensive list of other options include a transom duckboard, an anchor winch, an electric windscreen wiper, a radio/CD/MP3 player, a toilet (under the helm seat), an electric deck wash pump, a cockpit bimini, a Sun Spot searchlight, a freshwater tank, a stern-mounted barbecue and a centre-mounted tow pole. The Scupper 21 weighs a shade under two tonnes Scupper • Marine Diesels • Complete Marine Engineering • Drivelines • Hull Repairs • Stainless Fittings • Precision Manufacturing • Specialised Fabrication Marine engines 10hp-350hp Ph (09) 376 0010, Email sales@mge.co.nz 8/1 Westhaven Drive, Auckland, New Zealand www.mgemarine.co.nz NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012 41 VIP.WB12