McBride Design Ltd
Marine Farming and fishing:
Since the early 90's McBride Design has specialised in vessels for all sorts of Marine Farming. Our location in Nelson is near one of the main Aquaculture areas in New Zealand and our vessels can be found any day engaged in the wide variety of tasks involved in marine farming.
During those years the design requirements for farming vessels have changed considerably. The first boats were converted barges and cray boats, with the odd tug and launch thrown in. Speed was a minor consideration after carrying capacity and stability.
As farms became more widespread, however, travelling between them became downtime, and the need for speed became prevalent. Now this has to be tempered by economy so that hull design becomes even more important. Another critical design consideration is water depth, and vessels working out of shallow harbours have to be kept to manageable draft.
The ideal hull type for speed and economy is certainly the displacement catamaran, as typified by our 20m vessel "Stray Cat" (Design 267), and Design 373, a 27m vessel designed for an Irish company. With loads ranging from 25 tonnes to 60 tonnes, and speeds around 18-22 knots light, these are versatile and economic vessels.
Both of these catamarans work out of deep water harbours so draft isn't a problem. Where draft is a consideration we use large semi-displacement hull forms, optimised for load carrying and minimal resistance when light. A very fine entry helps by cutting more cleanly through the water and by allowing the vessel to load by the head which helps reduce resistance under heavy load.
Fishing boats:
The design of fishing vessels around the world has become extreme and somewhat eccentric at times as companies try to squeeze even larger loads of fish into smaller boats. McBride Design has a philosophy of drawing easily driven hulls with good, if not spectacular hold capacity, but offering excellent economy. For instance "Latitude", (design 127) is an easily driven and exceptionally seaworthy vessel carrying up to 30 tonne of fish and using around 10-12 litres of diesel per hour.
Although they look so different there isn't much difference in the philosophy of designing a farm vessel or an elegant motor yacht. Layout, minimal resistance, economy, looks and efficiency are common to both. It's just the details that differ.
In designing the 26m motor yacht "Tasman" (Design 293) I was guided by the client's desire for an elegant and economical coastal cruising vessel for a few guests and crew. The hull is based on an old Roger Carey trawler design, lengthened and modified in subtle ways, with a totally modern layout, machinery and electronics. The blend of old and new works very well as it allows us to benefit from the knowledge painstakingly accumulated over the generations while using modern propulsion and materials.
The Tender, design 387, although very functional, is a blend of workboat and motor yacht. Capable of knots in the mid 20's it will provide a n economic and stable work platform, with office and conference space as well.
In all our vessels we try to incorporate a similar mixture of traditional values with modern concepts and materials and power plants.
Using a variety of programs we are able to offer a complete service from artists impression to computerised cutting packages or full size frame kits on mylar.
Phone: 03 546 8844
Fax: 03 546 8919
Mobile: 027 4345 776
Email: richard@mcbridedesign.co.nz
www.mcbridedesign.co.nz
