This 13m Nelson Catamaran, designed by TT Boat Designs in 1995 and built specifically for the Port of London Authority (PLA) transcends their broad-based knowledge of offshore boat design with this functional catamaran work platform purpose designed for survey work in the shallow estuary waters of the River Thames. Her less than a metre draft and 'low noise' hull characteristics provide an excellent platform for survey work using the latest sophisticated hydrographic equipment. A purpose designed transducer pod is housed in the starboard hull. The ‘jockey stick’ controlled water jet installation provides pinpoint control in tight areas such as a narrow river or marina, enabling the helmsman to place the vessel and maintain position. Maximised visibility is afforded from the wheelhouse both for the helmsman and workstation crew members and her spacious interior volume provides many advantages over an equivalent monohull of similar size in terms of crew accommodation. A major refit was completed May 2023 by the current owners over a 2 year period and the PLA will launch and recommission on completion of a sale. 

Vendor's comment:

Cat 2 Hydrographic Survey Catamaran or Short/Long Term Charter Negotiable.

Powered by 2011 Cummins QSC 8.3l 6 cylinder turbo charged diesels 

13.11m x 5.49m 18TCat 2 - 60 mile commercial certificate in date. Fuel tank and system clean / service carried out Autumn 2024 with one sail from Belfast to Glasgow since.

Very comfortable boat. Nice big galley, suspension seats etc. fully equipped kitchen. 

Vessel is available for work straight away.

For charter or for sale. With or without the hydrographic survey gear.

Survey gear entails: Reson 7125 hull mounted and Coda F185. 

For sale without Hydrographic survey kit - £180k with reson Multibeam etc - £199,950

Charter - £2250 + fuel per day without survey operations including captain 

£3400 with survey gear including captain and chief surveyor + fuel.

"She’s extremely manoeuvrable. And with only 1m draft she can get into some tight spaces with ease. The Captain is incredible too."

Contact Smart Boat Sales today on +447985154373 where we will be happy to answer any questions & to schedule your viewing appointment. 

Survey Report

Nelson designed craft are synonymous with the commercial world as pilot boats, police and many other offshore applications. This 13m catamaran designed by TT Boat Designs (Nelson) extends their broad knowledge of offshore boat design into a versatile but functional catamaran work platform purpose designed for survey work in shallow waters.

Her less than a metre draft and 'low noise' hull form together with her spacious interior volume,provides many advantages over an equivalent mono-hull of similar size. The water jet installation supplies pinpoint control in tight areas such as a narrow river or marina, enabling the helmsman to place the vessel and maintain position. Maximised visibility is afforded from the wheelhouse both for the helmsman and work station crew members. A major refitted was completed May 2023 by the current owners over a 2 year period , this Nelson 13m is ready for work. Vessel is coded.

The WHEEL HOUSE is placed at the most forward position and elevated above the accommodation area for maximum visibility but externally leaving a small walkway ahead of the bridge for access to a manual lifting arm, capstan winch & anchoring equipment, etc... Access doors to the bridge (P&S) hinge outboard. The wheelhouse has a central helm console with radiated instrumentation within the full width console area and some instrumentation above. To starboard is a survey desk for PC and monitoring equipment (not included) with pedestal seat and storage with a companionway aft on the port side.

A companionway (P) leads down into a MESS ROOM / GALLEY area and this area extends to the after- deck area on the same level with a central exit door through the rear bulkhead. A HEADS COMPARTMENT is accessed externally on the starboard side via the rear access door.

Externally, the vessel has walk-around accommodation with engines accessed through deck hatches (P&S) of the superstructure. A small ‘A’ frame is available at the transom (currently demounted) with a deck mounted electric capstan adjacent reportedly used for light lifts, sampling, etc. (max 1 tonne). A further capstan winch and lifting arm are located forward.

The wheelhouse mounted mast houses the radar scanner, working lights and antenna, etc..

The hull has been re-fendered with heavy section 'D' section with interstraking along both sides and the jets are protected by platforms serving as boarding areas when moored stern to.

PERFORMANCE: Max. 20-22 knots dependent on loading and17-18 knots operational

ENGINE HOURS: (S) 3818hrs (P) 6113hrs prior to rebuild 2021

FUEL: 1500 litres in two tanks

WATER: TBC

BLACK WATER: TBC (new 2023)

Navigation Equipment

Furuno Radar (new 2023)

Furuno Sounder

GPS Plotter

Simrad Auto Pilot

Saab AIS

Sailor Compact VHF

Standard Horizon Hailer System

Sestral Major Magnetic Compass

Sundry other navigational equipment .....

Electrical Equipment

24 volt system

240v Shore Power connection

2 x Fischer Panda 10 KvA variable power synchronized generators (2023) with invertors

Onboard Ring Main with multiple outlets

Safety Equipment

No LSA equipment is supplied

Deck Equipment

2 x CJR 1 tonne Capstan Winches (fwd & aft)

Stern Lifting Gantry

Lifting Arm (forward)

Heavy Section 'D' Fender (new 2023)

Contact Smart Boat Sales today on +447985154373 where we will be happy to answer any questions & to schedule your viewing appointment. 

SBS Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.