Cheetah Part Builds Popular with Commercial Fishermen

Dec 13th, 2009

With over 260 bespoke builds under their belt, catamaran builder Cheetah Marine continue to work at full capacity. 2009 has proved popular with commercial part builds in addition to the usual completed package.

Cheetah 'Prawn Star' Christmas Launch

Fleetwood Skipper Nick Stirzaker will be launching his new 6.2m 'Prawn Star' over the Christmas period. Nick took delivery of the 6.2m back in the summer as a Stage B build. He has since worked on and completed 'Prawn Star' to a full commercial fit out.

In addition to the safety of twin hulls and a twin engine set up, Nick chose a Cheetah Catamaran for its good sized working deck and stability. Nick has fitted twin Evinrude E-tech 50hp outboards which boast low emissions and are maintenance free for the first three years.

On initial sea trials prior to final fit out Nick reported 'I was very impressed with the quietness of the engines as well as the maneuverability, she turns on a sixpence.'

With an overall length of 6.2m, 'Prawn Star' left the Cheetah yard as a basic build. All moulding work was completed at the Cheetah Moulding Workshop including the underdeck sealed compartments which account for the huge structural integrity of Cheetah Catamarans. Basic stainless steelwork includes bow rails and wheelhouse roof rails – all fabricated and fitted to suit each boat. Nick requested a reinforced pad in the deck to enable him to retrofit a 230lb Powerwinch on the starboard side. Also included in the Stage B package were acrylic windows, three inch fendering and fore and aft strong points. In addition Nick specified a 150 litre inbuilt bait tank moulded to the transom with pump and fittings.

Since arriving in Fleetwood, Nick has fitted a full electronic package including Garmin 410 3D chart plotter and Garmin 17C VHF. Additional stainless steelwork includes a roof mast gantry complete with search light, radar reflector and navigation and rear deck lights.

Photos of 'Prawn Star' and stats to follow shortly

Island to Island

'Necora' owned by Callum Williams based on Tiree is another commercial part build delivered in the Autumn. Callum who works singlehanded initially chose a Cheetah for its good stability and specified a moulded stern shoot alongside Stage B construction to enable singlehanded operation.

Since completing and launching 'Necora' Callum reports ‘She is a really good boat. I fish in the islands around Tiree and Coll and with the bad weather we've had this Autumn have managed to get to sea alot more than in my old boat. With 50 creels onboard she will cruise at 12 – 13 knots and achieves 20 knots tops.'

Callum fitted twin Honda 40hp supplied by Ardorran Marine and additional stainless steel cockpit rails to enable creels to be stacked on either side between the shoot. The shallow draught of just 30cm enables Callum to get in close around the rocks using individual trim and tilt function on the Hondas.