Scrabster-based Boy Alan, a new shellfish catcher built by the Seaway Group in Macduff, Scotland, typifies the latest generation of under-10m, purpose-built, static-gear boats.
Built around a Kingfisher 9.8m K33 glassfibre displacement hull, it is rigged for self-hauling and shooting creels.
In common with many such craft, the vessel is powered by one of the most popular Perkins Sabre engines, the wastegated turbocharger, charge air cooled M185C. However, in this instance, the engine was factory de-rated for owner, James Bremner, from its standard 190hp at 2100rpm to an even more economic and stress-free 160hp at 1850rpm. This is coupled to a PRM 1000 3:1 reduction gearbox to deliver a top speed of eight knots for the 9.2t vessel that is constructed to Seafish Construction Standards that were developed in consultation with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The six-cylinder, six-litre engine is accessed via a deck hatch immediately aft of the aluminium wheelhouse that Seaway extended to the side of the whaleback to improve protection to the hauling position. As the most compactly dimensioned engine on the market in its power output class, the de-rated M185C fitted easily into Boy Alan's engine compartment and left ample space for all-round access, even though the engine – like all Perkins Sabre engines – offers the benefit of single-side servicing points.
Detailed studies of running cost figures have shown that the engine also has the lowest cost of ownership in its class, due to its longer service intervals, excellent fuel economy and consistently lower parts prices. This has shown to result in a saving in operator costs that, after between three and four years in service, is equal to the original cost of the engine. This economy will undoubtedly be further improved upon, thanks to Mr Bremner's decision to have the engine de-rated.
Economy is a major consideration for every commercial operator, but particularly so for a two-man crabber like Boy Alan that currently has to compete with the so-called super-crabbers that have zeroed-in on Scottish waters where there are no catch limitations. Engine reliability is also a key consideration as, in such a volatile market, losing a day's fishing due to engine problems can have a disastrous impact on the boat's earning potential. This imperative need to maximise the time spent fishing rather than maintaining the boat's engine is given another boost with the M185C's extended 400-hour service interval.
The engine for Boy Alan was supplied by Cannock-based Finning (UK), the Perkins Sabre distributor for England, Wales and Ireland.
