Matonabee

BYD-Naval Architects was contracted to carry out a repower and stability assessment for the whale-watching vessel Matonabee, operated by Lazy Bear Lodge in the waters near Churchill, Manitoba. The project involved replacing the existing propulsion system with high-performance Mercury Verado 600 HP outboard engines and ensuring compliance with Transport Canada’s stability regulations.

Challenges and Objectives:

• Performance analysis to determine the horsepower requirements for the vessel to achieve the desired operational speeds.
• Integrating the new propulsion system using direct calculations to check scantlings and Finite Element Analysis to determine the structural modifications required.
• Conducting an updated inclining experiment to account for the changes in weight and centre of gravity.
• Revising the stability booklet to meet Transport Canada’s intact and damage stability requirements.

BYD-Naval Architects aimed to:

• Ensure the new outboard installation provided optimal performance without compromising safety.
• Accurately determine the vessel’s new stability characteristics through testing and analysis.
• Deliver updated documentation to support regulatory compliance and safe operation.

Approach and Execution

The project began with a performance study to determine the correct power requirements for the vessel. This data was used in the set up of the FEA model to assess the structure and what, if any, structural modifications were required for the vessel to safely be propelled by larger horsepower outboards. After the engineering was completed the removal of the existing propulsion system began, followed by careful integration of the Mercury Verado 600 HP outboards. An inclining experiment was performed to gather updated stability data, which was used to revise the stability booklet in accordance with Transport Canada’s regulations.

Outcome and Impact

The repower project enhanced Matonabee’s operational efficiency, providing increased power and reliability for whale-watching excursions while making fuel savings as the engines were better matched for the vessel and operating in their most efficient range. The updated stability assessments ensured compliance with safety standards, reinforcing BYD-Naval Architects’ expertise in vessel modifications and regulatory compliance.