VESSEL REVIEW | Nave – Thai-built luxury catamaran for Java surfing excursions

A tour operator based on the Indonesian island of Java recently took delivery of a new surfing excursion vessel from Powerplay Catamarans, a boat builder headquartered in Chonburi, Thailand.

The boat will be used to serve surfboarders and is designed to provide expansive salon areas for surfers to lounge when not in the water. It is also capable of long-range trips, thus allowing the operator to bring guests to a greater number of ideal surfing sites off Java compared to a limited endurance vessel.

The newbuild, named Nave, has an LOA of 20.54 metres, a beam of 8.18 metres, a draught of 1.25 metres, and a lightship displacement of 30 tonnes. The hulls and the deck are of composite PVC and vacuum-infused FRP construction while Alexseal polyurethane paint was used for all exterior surfaces.

A large swim-deck aft with a Steelhead Marine overhead crane provides easy access from the water as well as stowage space for a jetski and a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Access between the bow and the stern is provided by two 900mm-wide transom walkways with handrails. For added safety on the foredeck, netting from Serge Ferrari has also been fitted.

Powerplay owner and seasoned boat builder James Dewing had opted not to incorporate any significant changes to the vessel's existing hull design. However, the interior remained open to modifications, and computer-generated models were created to enable the customer to identify the cabin arrangements that were most ideal for accommodating surfers.

Accommodations include a total of 10 berths situated in a forward master's cabin, a bridge deck master's cabin, and four additional cabins for guests. Also on board are three toilets with showers, a galley/saloon, a pantry, and an aft dining space on the main deck.

The galley is fully equipped to keep guests well-fed on long-range excursions far from shore. Key items include Siemens cooking appliances, a Samsung double-door refrigerator with 700-litre capacity, and a Slimline air extractor.

Dewing said the wheelhouse deck has also been slightly extended aft to provide a shelter cover over the aft fishing deck below.

The cabins have been fitted with doors made from timber and anodised aluminium while toughened glass was used for the windows. Maxwell Marine hatches have been installed as well.

For propulsion power, Dewing and his client opted for two Cummins QSC 8.3 diesel engines that each produce 447 kW. The engines drive two five-bladed propellers via ZF gearboxes to deliver a maximum speed of 25.7 knots as proven during sea trials. However, an economical cruising speed range of between 10.5 and 13 knots will be utilised for regular excursions. Monitoring of the condition of the engines can be done from the wheelhouse thanks to a monitoring screen supplied by Simrad.

The engine room is lined with marine standard soundproofing insulation as well as an exhaust fan for ventilation.

Dewing further said that a range of 1,600 nautical miles can be achieved without the use of additional long-range fuel tanks for as long as the vessel maintains a cruising speed at 13 knots. The vessel's own internal fuel supply, which Dewing has claimed is adequate, is in four FRP tanks with a total capacity for 12,000 litres.

In the flybridge deck above the wheelhouse are secondary controls, two Springfield helm seats for operators' use, Sunbrella Fabrics seats for guests, and synthetic teak flooring. The flybridge also has space for an additional refrigerator, a dinette, and cabinets.

The deck equipment includes a Muir anchor winch, mooring ropes, and four 200mm fenders. The winches may be controlled remotely from the helm station or via deck-mounted foot switches.

Nave also boasts a comprehensive electronics suite consisting of Raymarine radar, AIS, GPS, sounders, VHF radio, plotters, and autopilot, a Silva compass, Glomex Marine TV and AM/FM antenna kits, and KVH Industries satellite TV and phone. A Frigomar chilled water 144,000btu system provides air-conditioning for all interior spaces.

Power for all electrical systems is supplied by a Fischer Panda generator and an array of eight 250W solar panels.

Click here for the other news, features and reviews comprising this month's Passenger Vessel Week.