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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A view of the wide cockpit and fishing area Dinette Underway room to move about with the ladder to the enclosed fly-bridge which is centrally mounted. To starboard at the rear of the cabin is a WAECO freezer. There is also a small Nilssen C400 winch with an extendable boom above, under the canopy for when hauling pots or scallop dredges. On the opposite side on the aft screen is the mounted emergency hand bilge pumping system. This has a wandering suction pipe that can reach all compartments and has overboard discharge. There are four waterproof hatches in the cockpit sole, two giving access to the machinery spaces and two to additional stowage spaces. There are two 900 litre fuel tanks and 240 litres of water in tanks forward under the main cabin sole. Stepping inside the main cabin the heads and shower are immediately to port providing a large washroom both for divers and the more fully built fisherman alike. Opposite, to starboard, is the galley space complete with a sink and hot and cold fresh water, a food prep area and small two-burner gas hob. There is a small undersink fridge along with drawers and cupboards providing ample stowage for the galley. On the for'ard end of the sink cabinet are two of the vessel's fire extinguishers, mounted and for ready use. For'ard of the galley to starboard is the main and lower helm station. It was interesting to note the use of a fully ergonomic John Deere tractor seat as the helm seat. We understand that these seats are designed for tractor 72 NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2013 drivers bouncing around a paddock so make equally good helm seats for boats. They are an affordable price as well. The main conning position affords good vision of all four corners of the vessel from the helm which makes life easy when manoeuvring in marinas or canals. The on-board electronics system is quite extensive, including radar, plot, GPS and fishfinder with a slave system mounted up in the fly bridge helm station. Opposite is the raised U shaped dinette, once again there is handy stowage underneath the floor and seating. Up for'ard under the fo'c'sle is a large, 'find a space' crash pad for resting weary bones. There is a large cross-step with removable squab below the escape or access hatch above. This is a handy place to stand when operating the anchor winch in inclement weather, which you do with a foot control. This hatch also gives access to the foredeck which is protected by rails, making it an ideal spot for watching marine mammals in nice weather. The anchor winch is a James Nilsson V900 pedestal mount with the ground tackle and anchors, or 'bondage' equipment, supplied by Chains Ropes and Anchors Limited. As you head up top from aft, the top of the ladder is fenced and gated: another safety feature as well as having the traditional hatch to keep out the weather. The flybridge is quite open with plenty of room for passengers. There is a small bench seat in front of the upper helm station and the area is protected by a hard top roof and clears, above which is the radar arch carrying all the electronic aerials and nav lights. Spot On is powered by twin Volvo Penta D6 330hp marine diesels coupled via short jack-shafts to Volvo Penta Duo-Prop-DPH stern legs. Underway, Spot On is responsive to both helm and throttle. Once clear of the marina the revs are increased and the vessel starts to give that positive foil assisted lift. The fuel curve at this speed is a bit hefty but as we move through the rev range and build to her cruising or service speed, the curve drops away to a 2.5 litres per nautical mile, which for a vessel of this size is not all bad, giving a 600nm range, plus fishing options. Our sea trials with tanks pressed up with light ship gave a top speed of 38.4 knots although we would expect a more conservative 37 knots once loaded in working mode. The projected service speed of 25 to 27 knots looks good. Sound proofing within the machinery spaces is