VIDEO: Down Under Cruise & Dive adds Evolution

FEBRUARY 23, 2016 — Marine Engineering Consultants Pty Ltd., Queensland, Australia, has recently delivered the Incat Crowther designed 33 m catamaran dive cruise vessel Evolution to Great Barrier Reef operator Down Under Cruise and Dive.

Evolution blends motor yacht style with commercial vessel efficiency and ruggedness. Featuring a high level of glazing and modern fit out, Evolution’s interior spaces are light and airy, whilst outdoors paces are well protected from the sun.

When stationed on the reef, the vessel’s traditional lifting dive platform, pioneered by Incat Crowther in the 1980s, has been taken to the next level with port and starboard fold-down platforms adding to the stern platform to completely encircle the aft end of the vessel and provide an expanse of space to access the water safely.

All three platforms feature stair access with ample hand rails and ladders into the water.

Adjacent to the ramps and stairs is a large aft main deck with toilets and storage for wetsuits, snorkels and dive tanks. Overlooking this space, at the aft end of the upper deck, is a lifeguard lookout station, with an uninterrupted view of the platforms and water.

Passengers board Evolution through gates aft on the main deck, doors midship on the main deck or via additional gates on the upper deck. Once aboard, they are greeted with high-quality yet durable lounges, seats and teak-look flooring.

The main cabin seats 148 in a mixture of booth configurations. Passengers are served by two large catering counters aft – a bar to port and a kiosk to starboard – with ample space for passengers to line up for the signature barbecue buffet.

A large set of stairs on the aft main deck leads to the upper deck, with outdoor seating for 35. Inside the upper deck cabin is booth seating for 46 passengers with a Gold Class room aft offering a premium service to 10 passengers.

Forward of the wheelhouse are built-in sun lounges and a stairway down to the foredeck.

The roof deck features forward-facing seats as well as lounges aft. This deck is covered by a solid roof and accommodates 70 passengers, who enjoy comfort and an excellent 360 degree outlook.

Evolution is fitted with two MAN D2862 LE463 engines driving fixed-pitched propellers. She performed excellently on sea trials, easily achieving her service speed of 25 knots, as well as demonstrating exceptional seakeeping characteristics.PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS

Length Overall                108′ 8″ / 33.1 m
Length Waterline            106′ 4″ / 32.4 m
Beam Overall                   30′ 7″ / 9.3 m
Draft (hull)                          4′ 3″ / 1.3 m
Draft (prop or max)            6′ 11″ / 2.1 m
Depth                                10′ 6″ / 3.2 m
Construction              Marine grade aluminium
Main Engines                  2 x MAN D2862 LE463
Power                             2 x 1,029 kW @ 2,100 rpm