military grade monitor overhead that connects to the
computer as a third viewing screen.
Having the boat set up like this allows the operator to
be able to make sure that the survey computer and the
boat read the same positioning and heading data. This
gives continuity to the two platforms, making sure that
the boat and survey equipment know where they are in
relation to the world around them, and that the skipper
follows the appropriate survey lines set out by the survey
computer operator. Another point of interest is that they
are able to import waypoints and routes through MaxSea
into the Navnet 3D via excel worksheets. They can
transfer entire survey grids and run them through the
autopilot. Although this concept will take time to truly
perfect it is nevertheless advancing technology. We have
more on the electronics later.
Back in the cockpit, the rest of the work deck is clear
and functional. There are dive bottle racks and built in
self-draining stowage trays for 'handy bits'. A built-in
auxiliary outboard motor bracket for the tender motor is
fitted to port. We note that all the fuel points have sturdy
locking caps over the filler caps.
Moving for'ard to port is the external head and shower
compartment and note: it is fully heated! To starboard,
fully enclosed in its protective housing along with a
separate 125 litre diesel tank, is an 8kW Fisher Panda
diesel genset that provides power to a Webasto reverse
cycle air conditioner, and a stand alone Webasto diesel
heater that controls the climate in both the main cabin
and the head, as well as providing hot water.
When living in the North Atlantic it is imperative that
the head be heated and it took a little bit of convincing
for the boat-builders to fully grasp the need for this. If
the head is not heated in minus 32 degrees Celsius, when
you drop your pants your nether region and cheeks will
quickly freeze to the seat. It may not be a pretty sight.
The cabin can be fully closed off and secured. On
entering, there is a small galley to starboard with a sink,
hot and cold water, and twin electric hob. The electric
jug, toaster, fry pan and all the cooking appliances ensure
If the head is not heated in
minus 32˚, when you drop your
pants your nether region will
quickly freeze to the seat
the crew are well fed summer and winter. The cabin
is lined in Frontrunner fabric for warmth and sound
softening, although with the outboards the engine noise
is hardly discernable from inside the cabin.
There is a small dinette to port with an added crew
and computer position ahead of this at the front. For'ard
under the foredeck is a crawl in bunk space, that is quite
roomy and light with its own escape hatch above.
The main conning position at the heart of the
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Email: seats@trt.co.nz
VIP.S84
NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2013
29
