Dazcat Power 15 Desiderata has been custom designed for Paul
Scholey and his wife Pauline, who have never owned a boat before
and have requirements that are very specific, including full
wheelchair access. The decision to go for a twin-hulled
design over a monohull had already been made – catamarans providing
a wide, level surface ideal for a wheelchair – but due to the lack
of manoeuvrability on, off and throughout a production catamaran
they were unable to buy a production boat. This is how they came to
Dazcat Designs and Multimarine Composites, who have wide experience
in designing and building boats for wheelchair users.
Darren Newton, the lead designer of Dazcat, worked with another
well known designer, Derick Reynolds, to create a plan for a boat
that will be totally accessible for Paul as well as being able to
out perform similarly sized production power cats in both fuel
economy and speed. Derick has brought his wide-ranging past
experience to create third generation hull forms developed
with input from Multimarine’s extensive knowledge of composite
structures, materials technology and processing methods.
One area into which Multimarine did a lot of research is the
drive system. A Volvo IPS system was suggested by Paul because of
the joystick docking system, which allows one to vector the thrust
and push the boat sideways into a dock in a very controlled
way. However, with so much floating debris in the sea today
they had to weigh up the risk of the boat getting caught up in
something, which would mean either Paul or Pauline having to go
over the side to free the lines, which would be very
dangerous. Fixed props and rudders and a stern drive can not
offer the vectoring control system so were out. The only
other available system was a jet drive, so this is what they have
chosen; combined with the jet are twin Volvo Penta engines.
The hull forms have been developed to offer economy and comfort
of ride as well as a top speed of up to 35 knots. They have
been moulded in one piece with the wet deck, which has been
designed to deflect the water travelling between the hulls to
create air water vapour damping to reduce bridge deck
slamming. It is expected that this will cushion the ride over
the waves, allowing speed to be kept up even in rougher conditions
and, most importantly, will improve the comfort of ride for all on
board.
Inside, Dazcat went with a clean look and minimalist
style. Doors all slide open, giving Paul easy access to the
main on deck cabin, serviced by a wet room opposite that can be
accessed from the aft deck after swimming. The galley is on
the same level on the starboard side and is very spacious, with
drawer stowage and an electric hob, oven and grill, so there is no
need for heavy gas bottles to be moved around. The saloon
seating and table are positioned forward next to the helm position,
which will keep things sociable when they are cruising shorthanded,
and wide windows give a panoramic view forward.
There are two double en suite cabins below in the hulls for
family and guests. These are not wheelchair accessible;
however the saloon seating can convert for a second accessible
double berth if required. Accessibility could be designed in
to subsequent builds if wanted by the customer.
The fly bridge features a second helm position with comfy
seating, a wet bar with a fridge and a griddle, and a sun
lounger. To access the fly bridge Multimarine custom
designed a lift to fit into a recess in the saloon bulkhead
moulding. This is a self-contained unit to make it easily
serviceable both on and off the boat.
Getting onto the boat could not be easier. A hydraulic
passerelle extends to the pontoon, enabling passengers to wheel
onto the aft swim deck. This can then be remotely lifted to
main deck height, and from there everything is on one level, except
the flybridge which has its own lift. Not only does the aft
swim deck lift up to deck level, but it also drops completely into
the water to make it easy for Paul to go swimming. It can
also be used for lifting the tender onboard.
A range of designs for the new Dazcat power series is now
available. These vary from a 6m tender developed by Derick
Reynolds to a 35m super yacht, and include designs that can be made
from alloy as well as composite. All can be custom tweaked to
the client’s individual specifications and requirements.
Desiderata will be launched on 27th September and there will be
limited places available for sea trials during the second half of
October. To book a test drive please call 01752 823513.
Multimarine will be at Stand F28 throughout the PSP Southampton
Boat Show.
DP15 specs
LOA: 15.8m
LW: 13.7m
Beam: 6m
Draft: 0.7m
Berths: 8
Propulsion: 2 x Volvo D6 435hp driving 2 x Rolls Royce Kamewa
FF340 waterjets
Range: 278 miles @ 30kn
381 miles @ 21kn
550 miles @ 14kn
Category: B
ENDS
dazcat.co.uk/designs – design pictures
multimarine.co.uk/DP15.html – build pictures
sophie@multimarine.co.uk –
additional information or images