YACHT & POWERCRAFT DESIGN SERVICES

Conversions  -  Working Boats to Interesting Motor Yachts

Over the years there have been many successful conversions of former working boats.  Trawlers and lifeboats in particular, can be ideal for conversion to purposeful motor cruisers with ocean-going potential.  The new owners are then able to gain much reassurance from the vessel’s robust construction, well-maintained engineering and excellent seakeeping qualities.  In this way many discerning owners have been able to acquire a vessel which is unique and unusual, whilst being extremely cost-effective when compared with the cost of a new vessel of the same size.  In addition, there is considerable added value if the original vessel had an interesting history in its former role.  

Recently a number of owners have chosen a former tug as the basis for a conversion to a motor yacht or expedition vessel.  But these are not always suitable, as the original design may have focused on bollard pull and towing power, with enhanced engine and machinery capability - something that is hardly required for a motor yacht where fuel consumption is generally a major concern.  Light general purpose tugs can be converted satisfactorily as well as former patrol boats, pilot launches and other offshore working boats which are generally constructed to a recognised classification society standard and well maintained in service.

A naval architect such as myself would be able to assist in all stages of the conversion process, by surveying the original vessel, drawing up conversion plans and specifications, obtaining quotations from shipyards, assessing the stability and loading, as well as monitoring and supervising the conversion work at the shipyard on behalf of the owner.  Should the new role of the vessel involve charter work, then the vessel will need to be assessed for compliance with the appropriate MCA code of practice.  This will generally mean that a Stability Booklet will be required for the converted vessel.  At the end of the project, careful sea trials can be arranged and carried out after the conversion work is complete, but before the boat is handed back to the owner.

During the autumn of 2002, I worked on the concept design for the conversion of a 32m former working vessel to a family motor yacht.  Then in 2003 I produced some drawings for the conversion of a former general purpose U.S. Army Motor Tug into a fine long range cruiser or  expeditionary vessel.  More recently I have  produced a set of drawings to enable the current owner to convert a former RNLI Solent Class Lifeboat into a comfortable family motor cruiser.  

I would be very pleased to work with other prospective owners on similar projects.  I would then arrange for marine engineering and electrical engineering aspects to be handled by well-qualified associates as part of a project team.


Home Page

Yacht & Powercraft Design Services Ltd
 Email:  info@yacht-designer.co.uk
Tel. 44 (0) 1489-583346   Mobile  07803-724317

A well-handled conversion could turn this original working deck in to a light and comfortable deck saloon.......

104’ (31.77m) ex-German Patrol Boat

108’ (32.92m) ex-US Army Tug

48.5’ (14.8m) ex-RNLI Solent Class Lifeboat