HULL
The hull is of modified deep V form with a well proven reveise sheer transom design which gives an effective waterline length of a craft some 2-3 feet longer and thus enhances seakeeping and performance. Spray rails are integrally moulded into the hull. GRP lay-up incorporates woven and unidirectional rovings as well as chopped strand matt. Longitudinal and transverse stiffening combined with structural bulkheads gives immense strength. Engine beds are encapsulated in glass fibre and integral with hull. Deck lay-up incorporates balsa core stiffening for strength, rigidity and good thermal insulation.
ENGINE INSTALLATION
The standard engines represent the latest in marine engineering from Volvo, each producing 358 hp at 2,500 rpm and driving 5 bladed contra- rotating propellor shafts via reduction gearboxes. The engines give the optimum in both power/weight ratio and fuel consumption per horsepower output. The engine exhausts are fitted with silencers and engine room blower fans are installed to boost engine room ventilation and cool engine room after stopping engines. The engine room is accoustically lined and insulated and an automatic fire extinguisher system is fitted. As well as standard engine instrumentation, gearbox and turbo pressure gauges are also installed.
CONTROL POSITION
The control position has seating for two and a navigation area is incorporated with chart table and chart storage. Steering is hydraulic and twin lever engine controls are incorporated as standard. Apart from the remote 24v/240v distribution panel, all other controls are mounted here in ergonomically designed and well laid out modular consoles.
A multi-voltage (6 – 32 volt) PC chart plotter is fitted with displays fed to a 19inch monitor at the helm, 22inch display in the main saloon and 15inch display on the flying bridge. A Cetrek autopilot (with dial-a-course facility) and dual station operation is fitted. Electronic compasses are fitted at both control positions and a reserve magnetic compass is fitted at the lower station. A multi-channel DSC V.H.F. is fitted as well as a high specification echo sounder and log distance speed/timer/unit both with flybridge repeater. A flybridge and forward deck intercom is also installed.
ELECTRICAL
The 55 has 24v electricity supplied by both engine alternators and by an 80 amp float charger. 12 volt is supplies via a 24-12 converter as well as an emergency direct to battery circuit. The 55 is fitted with 4 24volt banks of 12volt batteries giving 330Ah of domestic battery use, 110Ah circuit for the bow thruster and winch and 800CCA for the twin engines. Circuit breakers control all circuits in a central switch panel which also incorporates remote controls for 10 Kw diesel generator and float charger. 240v is supplied from a 3Kw pure sine-wave inverter, the diesel generator or from shore supply and a change-over switch fitted at the central switch panel. As with the main engines, an hourmeter is provided to give service intervals for the generator.
FLYING BRIDGE
The flying bridge layout provides seating for up to ten people and plenty of sunbathing space. There is repeat instrumentation and controls, DSC VHF, chart plotting display, intercom to deck saloon, extension speakers from the audio system, a drinks locker, g.r.p. radar arch and ample grab rails for safety.
DECK HARDWARE
All deck fittings are of first quality with stainless steel cleats and fairleads. Saloon window frames and rubbing band are also in stainless steel to give the best in strength and continuity of appearance. A windscreen wash system is fitted and the anchor can be raised or lowered from fore deck, flybridge or saloon control position. A continuous stainless steel pulpit as well as plenty of handrails give security on deck. A bowthruster is also fitted which can be operated from twin controls or via the wireless remote control. Anchor is a Bruce 35Kg operated via an electric vertical Lofrans winch via wired or wireless control.