VESSEL REVIEW | Pearl of Siam – Fast VIP tour boat delivered to Thai owner

Joint Thai- and Australian-owned shipbuilder SeaCat Ships has delivered a new sightseeing catamaran vessel to an undisclosed owner in Thailand.

Designed by SeaCat sister company SeaSpeed Designs, Pearl of Siam will be operated as a VIP tour boat out of Koh Chang Island. It will be used for day trips out to remote islands and reefs in the area as well as night functions on board.

The vessel has an LOA of 16.2 metres, a beam of five metres, and a draught of only 0.95 metres. Amenities include a bar, a fully-equipped galley with hot and cold food preparation facilities, and a private events area on the upper deck. The upper deck also features lounge seating for up to 20 passengers, an overhead roof incorporating solar panels on top and an integral light system below, a separate sound system, and space for watersports equipment and a davit to load and offload equipment. The deck has full walk-around access for dolphin and whale watching.

The lower level is fitted with comfortable fabricated aluminium seating and sumbrella fabric cushions with tables that have capacity for 33 passengers. As well as being suitable for dining, this level is also fitted with island seating on the aft deck for another 15 passengers, putting the total capacity of seating at 48 passengers on the lower deck, all of which is under cover. This deck also includes a toilet/shower.

The lower deck is open to allow good ventilation and has roll-down clear covers for use in the event of bad weather. The aft deck also features a suspended dive/viewing platform with a fold-down stairwell that gives access to the water for snorkeling and scuba diving. Alternatively, it can also provide direct access to and from the beach for boarding and disembarking.

Although the vessel is fitted with 68 seats, it will be limited to 30 passengers for day trips and night functions.

Power is provided by two FPT N67 EVO inboard diesel engines that each produce 395 kW at 3,000 rpm to deliver a cruising speed of 20 knots. The engines are fed by two 600-litre fuel tanks.

Also fitted are a Simrad radar and an array of CCTV cameras. These draw electrical power from the roof-mounted solar panels.

Pearl of Siam is built in compliance to Thai Marine Department and Australian NSCV Class 1C guidelines.

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