Kevlacat and Suzuki to the rescue

Kevlacat and Suzuki to the rescue

Kawana-based Catamaran manufacturer Kevlacat joined forces with Suzuki marine recently to equip Volunteer Marine Rescue of Queensland with a new fast response offshore vessel, to be based on North Stradbroke Island.

Powered by twin Suzuki DF140 in-line four stroke outboards, the 7.3m (24ft) vessel was constructed using Kevlar/GRP composite and is certified to QLD 2C survey .

The Kevlacat vessel, named the Blue Diamond, will replace VMRQ’s fifteen year old Sharkcat and will be commissioned in May.

Haines Suzuki Marine general manager, Greg Haines said the Suzuki DF 140 was the power of choice for VMRQ due to the power delivery and the efficiency of the engine.

“These engines incorporate forged one-piece crankshaft, stainless steel water pump, race-proven 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system and computer-controlled fuel injection.

“With electric start, Suzuki DF140 outboards deliver optimum performance at almost any throttle setting, temperature or altitude,” Greg Haines said. 

Kevlacat Power Boats Australia Director Andrew Earle said the company was approached by VMRQ to sea trial a 2400 for them in September last year.

“After VMRAQ went through the assessment process with their selected choice of manufacturers our superior product was chosen.

“The vessel has been specified for full rescue and towing configuration to the specific requirements for VMR North Stradbroke Island and took ten weeks to manufacture,” Andrew said.

Achieving cruise speeds of 25 knots and a WOT speed of 42 knots, the new Kevlacat VMRQ vessel will service Moreton Bay and offshore waters to 50nm from North Stradbroke Island.

VMRQ has 25 affiliated Squadrons located throughout Queensland and these Squadrons provide marine search and rescue services to the boating public on a volunteer basis.