By Frank Kowalski
Safehaven Marine have launched a new Barracuda SV125 for Future Defence in the USA. Their Barracuda is designed for search & rescue and coastal patrol duties. She is fully self-righting, able to recover if capsized by a large breaking sea and capable of all-weather operations. The design features deep ‘V’ hull design with midships and transom deadrise of 24 degrees and a very fine wavepiercing bow of 65 degrees giving excellent head sea capabilities. A wide 4m beam ensures high levels of stability in big beam seas and excellent dynamic stability in following seas. A twin chine arrangement ensures a very dry ride.
Powered by a pair of Caterpillar C8.7 650hp engines, ZF 380 two speed gearboxes with SD3L surface drive propulsion by France Helices, she has a maximum speed of 43kts and a cruise speed of 32kts at 70% of max power. At this speed each engine is consuming just 69 litres p/ hr, the design as such proving very economical and efficient giving a 600nm range from her long range fuel tanks.
Video of her during rough weather sea trials
Able to comfortably accommodate a crew of four on ‘SHOXS’ shock mitigation seating and two passenger in a well-appointed cabin. The helmsman is seated to st/bd behind an ergonomically designed focused helm console with all controls falling easily to hand and navigation and vessel control screens all easily viewable both directly in front as well as alongside providing a large viewing area. Opposite to port is positioned the navigators position fitted with separate navigation displays and radio communication equipment. Two further crew are seated behind, with a table in front of the port crew seat. Additional bench seating is provided at the aft of the cabin. The cabin is very nicely finished with vinyl side-lining throughout and teak and holy for the cabin sole. Windows use 25m ballistic glass for the front screens able to withstand the forces from breaking seas over the bow and the side and upper windows use 12mm polycarbonate for light weight and high strength. The craft is self-righting with numerous features incorporate such as automatic closing engine room air vents, with all components strong enough and engineered to withstand a complete inversion during roll over.
Live aboard accommodation is provided in the forward accommodation with two berths, dinette seating, a full galley with 240v hob, microwave and fridge, a separate heads compartment with washing facilities is provided along with a dedicated electrical compartment housing all electrical components. A 5kw Paguro generator provides on board AC and an 18,000btu Dometic air-conditioning unit provides climate control on board. She is fitted with a very comprehensive array of Garmin navigation equipment including two 15” and a 12” display screens, for ECIDS, radar and sonar, radio communication is provided by two DSC VHF’s. A CCTV system is installed with cameras covering the deck areas and ER.
An integral transom platform and dive ladder allows for dive operations from a spacious aft deck. Wide side decks allow for safe alongside ship boarding, the craft being well protected with substantial polyurethane bonded fender along the deck edge. The aft cockpit and foredeck are enclosed by outboard safety rails whilst the side deck passage ways have an inboard handrail to facilitate boarding’s.
A Humphree full stabilization system is fitted comprising 2x 500mm Interceptors outboard and 2x 300mm Interceptors inboard, allowing full control of the crafts running trim and improving ride comfort and reducing rolling in rough sea conditions.
