VSV, MARYSLIM

Broker’s Comments

VSV (Very Slender Vessel), MARYSLIM was built to order for its current owner – a long-time RIB expert and long-distance maritime navigator, predominantly with his wife on board as crew. Having owned and used a smaller protoype 33’ VSV, the sea-keeping was found to be excellent, with less power required to drive through heavy seas, better comfort on board and the wave-piercing capability allowed the vessel to operate in conditions that would keep a traditional shape of hull in the harbour.

The history behind this fine craft is as follows. MARYSLIM was completed in 2007. Designed by navel architect Nic Bailey, using the patented VSV concept by Adrian Thompson, this vessel was contructed by Multimarine Composites of Cornwall – using composite foam sandwich construction, with Kevlar hull bottom reinforcement, carbon superstructure reinforcement, crash bulkhead forward, lightweight, cored interior partition contruction.

This boat holds the National Powerboat speed Record for Portland – Rockall – Portland, gained in 2014. She will function offshore at speeds that will simply stop other boats. She has remained in private ownership, with servicing to her 32 litre V12 Caterpillar diesel prime mover which has only run a total of 762 operating hours and has proved to be highly reliable. Propulsion is via Rolls Royce KaMeWa FF550 waterjet, which is a well-respected and popular commercial propulsion system, powering many commercial and military intallations. The jet is a very simple unit – with minimal moving parts, low-draught operational capability, long intervals between service and good low, and high-speed handling characteristics.

Access to machinery is very good – with large well-protected machinery access hatch, commercial grade ventilation, a very high level of installation is evident. The engine and drive installation is a very competent fit-out with central engine, Flo-Scan fuel reading, X-Algae on-board fuel polishing, Duplex Racor fuel filters, massive exhaust installaition with supported elbows and large muffler. All major components appear accessible, with water hoses all correctly double-clipped, etc, checker-plate flooring and good lighting throughout.

Deck and access to machinery is via this large hatch in aft deck, which also serves as a crew table. Good storage around deck mouldings for liferafts, crew PFDs, etc. Also a well locker in aft section with access to jet drive through hull aperture, where an auxiliary outboard is stored currently.

In conclusion, and as I’m sure you would agree, MARYSLIM is not your average Joe; however, she has been well loved, well cared for and has enjoyed some seriously incredible adventures and is ready for more!

Sales Video

Owner’s Comments

With a background in long distance sailing and adventure RIB trips, we decided to progress to something less bouncy for cruising in our later years. Having always been impressed by the military VSV (Very Slender Vessel) concept, we approached the designer Adrian Thompson to draw up a cruising version. A design team was put together headed up by Adrian, with Nick Bailey (architect), High Modulus (structural engineering), and Dr John Bate (stability). Armed with initial drawings we selected Multimarine Composites in Cornwall for the build.

Multimarine were passionate about the project – their build quality was superb and the regular progress meetings were huge fun. All their suppliers showed great interest too, from epoxy and paint manufacturers to the power unit (Caterpillar and Kamewa).

It has taken a number of years following the initial launch to refine the handling – trim tabs, weight distribution and latterly a stainless steel adjustable tee foil up front (by Hercules Engineering and specialist designer Roger Scammell). The boat is now fully sorted and handles beautifully.

Based in Portland, Dorset UK, there have been regular trips to France and the West Country, but longer cruises have taken us to the Baltic, Scotland and Ireland including a phenomenal 320 mile, 30 knot run, catching one tide all the way, from Ijmuiden to Portland. Other daylight mileages of 200 to 250 miles are more normal.

To prove the boat is capable of record breaking, we loaded up with fuel (including additional deck tanks) and set a world record from Portland to Rockall and back, taking just over 53 hours; more records are certainly possible for those with ambition. However Maryslim is also stylish and very comfortable down below with a light and airy saloon, a comprehensive galley and well appointed master suite, making cruising a real pleasure.