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SPECIFICATIONS

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

Dazcat Power 15 catamaran Desiderata was custom designed for Paul and Pauline Scholey. They had already made the decision to go for a twin-hulled design over a monohull – 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 had wide experience in designing and building accessible boats.

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 boats in both fuel economy and speed. Derick 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 that is what they chose; combined with twin Volvo Penta D6 engines.

The hull forms were developed to offer economy and comfort of ride as well as a top speed of up to 35 knots. They were moulded in one piece with the wet deck, which was designed to deflect the water travelling between the hulls to create air water vapour damping to reduce bridge deck slamming, allowing speed to be kept up even in rougher conditions and, most importantly, improving 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 keeps 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. The swim deck also drops completely into the water to make it easy for Paul to go swimming, and can be used for lifting the tender onboard.

A range of designs for the new Dazcat power series is now available. These vary from a 6.5m 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 a client’s individual specifications and requirements. To view the designs as they are posted visit dazcat.co.uk/designs. To discuss your own custom design call Darren on +44 (0)1752 823129 or email darren@dazcat.co.uk. You can see pictures of the build of Paul’s boat at multimarine.co.uk/projects/DP15, or by clicking here.