Irish Innovation with Traditional Quality

Successful fishermen have long demonstrated a respect for tradition and a willingness to test new water and new technologies. Mr. Richard Hards and Mr. George Jacks, of Pecheurs Eccosse Limited in Inverness, Scotland, demonstrate that balance with their new catamaran vessel, the Sharon Anne.

With a 5.5-meter beam, the 11.95-meter catamaran has more fishing power than its length would suggest. In the UK the catamaran design is gaining a growing following amongst inshore fishermen. The innovation provides a roomy and stable fishing platform with ample cargo capacity.

Designed inhouse by the builder, G Smyth Boats Ltd, the moulded fiberglass hull is ideal for the Maxus 12-Meter Catamaran. As with single-hulled boats delivered by G. Smyth, the finish, both interior and exterior, is very high quality. The Northern Ireland firm’s reputation for attention to detail has drawn customers from as far away as Belgium.

Each hull is fitted with a six-cylinder, Cummins QSL9 diesel turning a 34 by 36-inch 4-blade Hyperform prop on 2.5-inch shafts through ZF gearboxes with 3:1 reduction. Delivering 290-hp at 1800 RPM each, these engines give the hulls an 8.5-knot cruising speed. The engines also provide ample hydraulic power to a pair of SeaQuest 3-tonne trawl winches and a pair of 2-tonne net drums worked by remote control technology. There is also a landing winch to round out the deck equipment for the boats trawl and creel fishing. The engines and gears were supplied by South Shore Marine & Diesel Ltd. Oxford Island, Northern Ireland.

An auxiliary refrigeration system for the catch was supplied by Cool Temp refrigeration Markethill, Northern Ireland. Each hull has a 1500-liter fuel tank, as well as freshwater tanks.

The builder, G. Smyth Boats was affirmed by an earlier client who said, “G Smyth boats is professionalism and perfectionism personified. Gerry and his team work to produce an excellent product which is not only aesthetically pleasing but efficient and practical.”