VESSEL REVIEW | Inter-Nos – Sardine ring netter delivered to UK fishing family

The Lambourn family based in the UK seaside town of Newlyn recently took delivery of a new catamaran ring net fishing vessel built by compatriot G Smyth Boats.

Inter-Nos will be used primarily to catch sardines. The design work that went into the vessel included the incorporation of features aimed at maximising available space and optimising efficiency. Also, in addition to ensuring stability, the catamaran hulls have ample space for the installation of four insulated seawater tanks to house some of the catch.

The newbuild has an LOA of 15 metres, a beam of six metres, and accommodations for up to four crewmembers. Two Volvo Penta D8A5-A-MH main engines driving propellers via ZF gearboxes allows the catamaran to reach a service speed of 10.5 knots. Sleipner SidePower thrusters are installed fore and aft to provide additional lateral manoeuvrability.

The deck equipment includes a Spencer Carter slave hauler, a MacGregor Triplex net hauler, a fish pump, a seawater separator/pump, and a Thistle Marine telescopic crane fitted on the stern. The crane’s reach will permit safe landing of fish under a range of tidal conditions. The pumps have features that help regulate the amount of water used during transfers, thereby maintaining water quality.

The open aft deck can accommodate insulated tubs with a maximum total capacity of 10 tonnes. Flake ice loaded in port can be converted into slush ice with the aid of onboard facilities. The slush ice will then be loaded into the deck tubs to help preserve catch.

The electronics suite includes a radar and a sonar from Furuno, a TimeZero chart plotter, sounders, and interlinked displays. Although situated on the starboard side of the wheelhouse interior, the helm station has an ergonomic layout to enable boat skipper and owner Will Treneer to operate the vessel more efficiently.

Seaquest provided the boat’s hydraulics, which also come with load sensing controls.

The vessel’s MCA-compliant accommodation spaces consist of a fully equipped galley and four berths. A mess table is also fitted in the wheelhouse.