US-based Horizon Shipbuilders and Trinity Yachts have received an order for 55 fast utility craft, designed by Damen Shipyards. The Damen design number 1204 has been ordered by CITGO to be used on Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela.
The boats have a length over all of 12.56 m, a beam of 3.85m, and a draught of 0.80m and will be built in Alabama and Louisiana respectively.
The aluminum longitudinal framed, heavy-duty hull design has a very deep bow section. It also has a modern modular designed GRP superstructure, which is vacuum injected.
The vessels are to be equipped with twin 315bhp Caterpillar C7 engines rated at 2,400rpm. The ZF286 transmissions have a 1.237:1 reduction ratio and the UJ340 water jets are supplied by Marine Jet Power. The vessels will reach a speed of 25 knots.
The UltraJet waterjet propulsion system together with the JetMaster joystick control system gives the boat excellent maneuverability and if necessary, the vessel can be stopped within one boat’s length from full ahead.