New catamaran under build at H. Baumbach & Son.

A CATAMARAN built specially for operating whelk pots is under build at H. Baumbach & Son, a yard that specialises in fitting-out high specification fishing boats.


Soon to be completed for South Wales skipper, Lewis Creese, the craft will work from Tenby where the strong catamaran hull (built by Gemini Workboats) will be perfect for both berthing at the tidal harbour and by having a shallow draft will extend its window of opportunity. While the term “whelk potting” may seem a far-fetched idea, that technique of using specialized containers to trap whelks has been the basis for many of the South Wales potters for almost two decades – a lucrative trade – and is equally popular in South Devon and further east.

To be Christened Sheigra, the boat is powered by two, relatively low horsepower Perkins Sabre diesel engines and even with its heavy construction (a finished weight of near seven tons is expected) should make a top speed of around 12 knots, with it’s cruising speed near ten knots.

Having a gunwale roller system over which the pots can be hauled, the hydraulic winch (supplied by Spencer Carter Ltd at Falmouth) is sufficient for a life of heavy fishing and has a pull of one ton. And with a beam of 14ft, when compared to a similar length mono-hull the available deck space on Sheigra is remarkable. The craft is due to be launched shortly.