Dongara Marine is set to build for the South Australian rock lobster fishery with a 58-foot newbuild for an experienced commercial fisherman.
The new cray catcher will be customised to client preferences, and the aluminium hull features the hallmark fine entry of Southerly Designs’ offshore capable monohulls, topped by a single level wheelhouse – an arrangement that is common for cray boats built for South Australia.
Like Dongara Marine’s recent vessels for the Western rock lobster fishery, the superstructure will be manufactured from composites using resin-infused moulding techniques to deliver a very high standard of finish as well as lightweight and noise, vibration, and thermal insulation.
The ability to provide this composite wheelhouse was a key factor in the owner’s decision to choose Dongara Marine as the builder of the new boat.
In addition to the helm station, galley and mess in the wheelhouse, onboard accommodation for three crew is provided to AMSA NSCV AL 36-72 standards. This includes two berths in a forward cabin and a master cabin with a Queen-sized berth beneath the wheelhouse.
The vessel will be single screw with propulsion power coming from an MTU 8V 2000 M72 diesel. The engine selection was made by the owner and accommodated within Dongara Marine’s custom design and build approach.
The boat will have capacity for 750kg of live lobster, with a custom basket/liner arrangement within the tanks. Fuel capacity is 4000 litres.
‘With a number of boat builders already well established as suppliers of new cray boats for the lobster fishery in South Australia, we are delighted the owner has placed his faith in Dongara Marine,’ said Dongara Marine’s managing director Rohan Warr.
‘We look forward to having this boat in the Southern Rock Lobster fleet to showcase our abilities and quality.’
