Our new research vessel has arrived safely on Arran. RV COAST Explorer is a bespoke PMC Aquafish catamaran motor vessel with a multi-functional deck space. Our vessel is a MECAL coded commercial workboat, category 3 (up to 20 miles from a safe haven) for up to 12 passengers and operated by 2 crew. She is 9 meters in length and built in 2022 by Phantom Marine in Great Yarmouth. She is equipped with twin 150 horse power 4 stoke outboards engines. Her cruising speed is 13 kts with a top speed depending on the load of 25 kts. The multi functional deck space allows for seating for 10 passengers which can be removed if a clear deck space is preferred. The stern A frame can be removed as well as the wet table. COAST Explorer has a spacious wheel house with seating for 6 people including the Skipper.
COAST Explorer has been built & cutomised to allow her to be utilised for various acitvities including Research Charters, Educational groups, Citizen Science workshops, Dive Charters as well as community engagement. Please contact us at email@arrancoast.com if you have any queries.
Additional features
- Starboard Creel winch
- Toilet & basic galley facilities
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- External covered Wet lab Area
- Hydraulic A frame built to tow sonars, plankton nets, BRUVs
- Detachable dive ladder & dive kit stowage
- 2 ROVs & drop down cameras
- Port & Starboard gunnel doors
- 12v fridge
- Cold freshwater services for rinsing
- 10 or 6/4 seat confirguration
- Sonar /Radar
- Garmin Panoptix Live Scope System
RV COAST Explorer officially launched!
In May 2023, we were delighted to officially launch the RV COAST Explorer to kickstart it on it’s marine restoration and research work.
With an event for cross-party MSPs and funding partners, including Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, Màiri McAllan who launched the vessel, and a community launch party attended by over 200 people, it was safe to say the boat was launched in style.
You can read more about what happened here.
Sea Science on RV COAST Explorer - various dates
Jump on board COAST’s brand-new research vessel and become a sea scientist! Help us survey the ocean and the animals that call it home.
Trips will be running on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July & August; places are limited and fill quickly so book now to avoid disappointment.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Your views on RV COAST Explorer
We asked Arran residents, researchers, visitors and anyone else about how we should use COAST Explorer to support our marine restoration work.
You can read our latest results here.
If you have 5 minutes to complete our short survey and would also like to tell us your views, we would really appreciate it.
This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, which is facilitated by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF), and managed by NatureScot.
