Published on: 26 July 2023
The marine electronics specialists, Osprey Technical has developed and installed the customised electronics package and systems on the new, soon to be launched, Gunboat 80-01. As a result of their close working relationship and highly professional support, Gunboat has commissioned and contracted Osprey Technical to supply the electronics package for the subsequent Gunboat 80-02.
In 2021, Osprey Technical was approached to quote for and supply the electronics package for HF-18, ethe first of the Gunboat 80s. These new yachts are a departure from previous production models, with clients requiring a high level of customisation in all aspects of the build, including the complex electronics systems. Gunboat recognised that Osprey had both the technical expertise and the client management skills to handle this project.
“We have moved to larger, more bespoke, custom yachts with clients that demand an ever-higher level of quality, technology and quick reaction time to changes,” explains William Jelbert, COO at Gunboat. “Osprey’s experience as a raceboat and superyacht provider, plus the remote service and support it offered made it the best choice for our clients’ exacting requirements.”
With detailed experience of all systems available on the market, Osprey responded to the client’s detailed brief with an instrument package, design and installation plan based around the A+T Instruments range. As Gunboat were new to A+T Instruments’ products, the Osprey team brought the expertise to recommend, install and optimise the system to interface effectively with other key onboard systems. They were also invited to review the proposed electrical systems (which they were not supplying), resulting specification changes, enabling Gunboat to considerably reduce the overall package weight.
Critical to successful electronics installations on this scale is excellent planning, design, communications management with all parties and testing. In-line with their proven in-house processes, Osprey invited the client, together with the hydraulics package supplier, to their workshops for a demonstration of the working system. This enabled them to test, prove and develop the communications between the A+T Instruments processor and the hydraulics PLC hardware prior to the entire system being shipped to the boat.
Rachel Oliver, Osprey Technical MD explains: “Typically, this type of testing does not happen until commissioning. We can bring testing forwards and resolve any issues on our specialist test bench. This reduces the risk of any delays at the commissioning stages in the yard, which keeps costs down and the project on track for the builder and the new owner.”
William Jelbert adds: “There is a vast amount of coordination in a project of this scale. What drew us to Osprey is the team’s ability to manage complex communications across all parties and suppliers involved, their comprehensive design drawings and wiring schematics, along with their off-site testing service. The precise planning and preparation stages made it completely straight forwards for Gunboat to install the system to Osprey’s specification.”
Following the handover of the Gunboat 80-01 to her new owners, Osprey will be providing expert advice and rapid response support to her new owners and boat captain, which includes Osprey’s proprietary remote monitoring services.