Feature 1 | PATROL & RESCUE BOATS
“The shipping of the vessels, added
to the production costs, makes the boats almost as costly as if they had been produced in a Western country. However, good, well-trained workers are in abundance in times of increased workloads, and the entry incentives provided by the Malaysian government make it worthwhile.” LeisureCat’s presence in the country
also secured the group a long-term customer in the Royal Malaysian Police, at whose request LeisureCat has especially concentrated on the production of fast pursuit monohulls over the past three years. Te key class to emerge from this demand has been the Interceptor 40 power catamaran, which was introduced in late 2010. To date, 13 Interceptor 40 vessels have
been built for the Royal Malaysian Police, and are deployed throughout Malaysian territorial waters, from Langkawi to Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. “The first delivered has already been responsible for the apprehension and prosecution of smugglers of illegal tobacco and alcohol worth over US$4 million,” Horsley adds.
Sneak up and strike Clad in distinctive blue camouflage, the Interceptor 40 series features a composite, deep-vee hull form, fashioned from FRP with Kevlar Hybrid and bi-axial E-glass, with polyester resin. Tis arrangement spells a strong build, albeit one that has
managed to push down overall dry weight to approximately 4.5tonnes. The catamaran is 12m loa, 2.85 in
beam, 1.38m in depth and has a full load draught of 0.58m, plus the ability to carry up to eight persons comprising crew and passengers. Two soſt-rider seats are provided for a helmsman and passenger, with four pedestal seats affixed behind and a three-man bench situated to the stern of the cockpit. A fuel capacity of 1,100litres grants
the Interceptor 40 a range of more than 200nm, while the vessel also has the capacity to carry up to 120litres of fresh water. Typically, the vessel type is powered by three outboard motors, each generating between 220-257kW, granting an operational speed of 48knots, increasing to 60knots max. Horsley comments: “The Interceptor 40 is able to sneak within striking distance of suspected perpetrators, and, within 12 seconds from stand-still, is hitting its top loaded speed of 60knots, to run down and apprehend the suspects.” Composites have also been used in the
manufacture of the vessel’s control station, situated to the starboard side, which is constructed from fully moulded FRP. Forward lies the cabin and stowage area, replete with shower and toilet cubicle. The Interceptor 40 design was
followed, in early 2011, by the launch of the Predator 40 series. Incorporating the same hull and technical arrangements, the
latter class differs from its predecessor in terms of superstructure. Te Predator 40 instead incorporates a RIB-type design, featuring a foam collar and a central cab with walk-through forward cabin / gun storage area, which leads to a recessed bow section, made deep enough for crew to safely move around.
No engine ‘sniffles’ Given the speeds involved, and the likelihood of encountering turbulent weather and tidal conditions, one of the problems that patrol cats have faced in the past has been the likelihood of mist engulfing the engines and affecting their performance – a process which Horsley refers to as ‘sneezing’. To counter this, both the Interceptor
40 and Predator 40 have been built with a full-length wavebreaker, designed along the lines of a twin semi-tunnel concept, which modifies the water flow between the hulls and cushions the movement of the vessel across the waves, to reduce excessive slamming. According to Horsley, both craſt types can turn inside seven boat-lengths at a speed of 40knots. Having successfully laid its foundations
in Malaysia, LeisureCat is now looking to expand its range of fast strike craft further, with a new 12m loa open ‘assault- style’ RIB, deploying the same hull form as the Interceptor 40 / Predator 40 and with optional self-righting gear and ballistic protection, waiting in the wings. SBI
A summary of the performance of the Interceptor 40 in sea trials, deploying Suzuki outboard motors
26 Ship & Boat International May/June 2013
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