The 66’ 9” x 24’ catamaran R/V Fulmar, built under contract for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), operates in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, which are all located off the coast of central California. The R/V Fulmar is the third research vessel and fourth Teknicraft Design catamaran that All American Marine, Inc. has built for NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary program. The new R/V Fulmar will be used to primarily conduct research and monitoring at three national marine sanctuaries in central California,” said William Douros, West Coast Regional Director for the National Marine Sanctuary Program. “We wanted a vessel that would be stable, functional, safe and fast, so this new catamaran vessel helps us meet demanding offshore challenges across 400 miles of coastline, and nearly 7,500 square miles of ocean.
The 66’ semi-displacement catamaran represents all the prominent features of the unique catamarans developed by Teknicraft Design of Auckland, New Zealand including a bow wave-piercer, integrated hydrofoil system, and the signature hull shape that provides a smooth ride while producing extremely low wake wash energy. “The craftsmanship that went into the building of the boat is showcased in the many features that make it a dream to operate and maintain,” states Dave Minard, Captain of R/V Fulmar. The construction of the R/V Fulmar marked the 20th Teknicraft catamaran built by All American Marine, Inc. and notably the builder exceeded the contracted performance parameters by 20% during sea trials. The R/V Fulmar is based on the previously built R/V Shearwater, which operates in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary near Santa Barbara, CA.
The 24’ beam of the catamaran lends itself to a very spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate 10 scientists. The vessel’s layout features an 86 sq. ft. wet laboratory and a 71 sq. ft. dry laboratory to accommodate the research activities throughout the sanctuaries. On board the vessel’s main deck are a fully equipped galley and comfortable dinette with u-shaped settee. A Morgan Marine crane, 13’ RHIB tender, hydraulic-lift A-frame, Markey Com-7H hydraulic scientific winch, Nuvair 7 Nitrox dive compressor, custom dive platforms, and Seakeepers scientific gear have been incorporated to equip the Fulmar for performing required research functions.
The R/V Fulmar is powered by twin MTU Detroit Diesel Series 60 14L engines, each delivering 740 bhp at 2300 rpm. The propulsion package includes Twin Disc MGX 5114A Quickshift transmissions which drive Osborne 4-blade stainless steel propellers. The vessel cruises comfortably at 22 knots using only 73% power and can reach speeds topping 27 knots. The R/V Fulmar’s fuel consumption is excellent, using only 2.1 gallons per nautical mile at cruise speed and a range of 750 nautical miles is possible with the 1700 gallon fuel capacity. The Teknicraft designed hull and hydrofoil technology offer peak performance, while maintaining excellent seakeeping ability and high fuel efficiency. Wesmar bow thrusters have been integrated into each sponson to aid in maneuvering and holding position while conducting studies.
