Goodchild Marine is pleased to announce that following the success of the new Aqua X-Plore 870 electric-powered exploration launch another new electric powered vessel has been added to the range – this time a traditional passenger working launch.

The Otter 26 is another new design by Andrew Wolstenholme retaining the best features of classic launch design and bringing them into the 21st century.

Goodchild Marine has brought together the expertise of the modern commercial boatyard and the traditional skills of the cabinetmakers and boatbuilders for which East Anglia is justly famous to produce an easily maintained launch with the efficient and pleasing lines of the lovely classic launches of Edwardian days, but designed specifically for the demands of modern commercial owners.

The Otter 26 can have as much or as little varnished wood as the owner wants for the desired workrole. A small cabin aft provides a toilet and washing facilities for passengers or crew and a simple galley can be included without reducing important deck space.

The Otter 26 stable hull shape allows passengers to move about in comfort and the underwater profile is designed specifically for efficiency – the 3 or 4 kW electric motor easily maintains 6 knots or more and the commercial batteries allow day long operation without the need to recharge.

A built-in battery charger will fully charge the battery bank overnight and there is the option to fit an almost silent generator for extended operation or for operation away from areas with shore power points.

The canopy shown in the photographs is designed for passenger operation and is modified for a purpose-designed wheelchair lift allowing wheelchair access from either side or for getting heavy loads aboard in safety. The canopy can be designed to support whatever operation the launch will be undertaking, as can the cabin and the rubbing strakes.

The beautiful Otter 26 is eco-friendly, rugged and with the looks to match.

• Length – 8.0 metres
• Beam overall – 2.36 metres (7 feet 9 inches)
• Design draft – 0.6 metres (2 feet)
• Air draft – 1.92 metres (6 feet 4 inches) [Special low edition 1.85 metres (6 feet 1 inches)]
• Battery capacity – typically 540 ampere.hours
• Motor size – typically 3 kW

Options –

• 4 kW diesel generator
• Bow thruster
• Various covers

For further information please contact Ian Palmer or Steve Pierce at Goodchild Marine on 01493 782301