Cara Marine 18m, HOUND OF ROYAL CLARENCE

Broker’s Comments

We love these Cara Marine boats. There are few motor-yachts available that have a commercial heritage—Dale Nelson, Seaward (again the Nelson/TT shape), North-Line, Aquastar, and Lochin are among those few. Cara Marine, based in Carrigaline in County Cork and later acquired by VT Halmatic, was building pilot vessels for the North and Irish Seas. They were commissioned to build, to Lloyds Certified Category A RCD standards, an 18-metre motor-yacht using the same commercial patrol boat hull paired with a pair of Hamilton water-jets.

While water-jets are now the preferred drivetrain for the offshore wind industry, the Spanish Government’s Rodman 101 interceptor, the UK Shannon Class Royal National Lifeboats, and many other reliability-driven applications, they were not as common in the early 2000s and were considered somewhat exotic. However, they are staggeringly good—super reliable, allowing for shoal-draft operation with no issues of entanglement and stern-gear damage, and their close-quarter handling is breathtaking. With far fewer moving parts, general servicing is simpler, and they have longer periods between overhaul requirements, making them great for higher workloads.

That said, the hull has to be good—and this hull is über-capable—especially when running into foul weather. With its huge strength (closely spaced main ribs with substantial stringers), she feels absolutely solid. The wheelhouse layout affords excellent levels of protection while keeping her crew in touch with their surroundings by rolling up the aft canvas screens. The wrap-around aft seating and twin table arrangement works very well indeed. The helm console is sheathed in substantial teak, so there is no reflection on the screen, and she has a purposeful, yacht-style feel throughout. Her interior joinery is a satin gloss cherry with blond timber inlay, very well-finished, and smartly conceals a vast amount of storage space on board. The interior saloon is well-raised to starboard, with sweeping panoramic views from the comfortable seating. Companionways lead forward through the dropped full-beam galley to the en-suite master cabin in the bow, and then aft to a pair of twin cabins which share a very well-appointed heads/shower compartment to port.

Cara Marine 18m, HOUND OF ROYAL CLARENCE has been diligently and sympathetically maintained over the years and has been in her present ownership since 2012. She is an ultra-reliable technological ‘tour-de-force’, displaying class-leading build quality and impeccable seakeeping, combined with the attention to detail, luxury, and comfort expected from the most exclusive custom motor yachts. Her Hamilton Jet control system has recently been professionally upgraded to a full mechanical system (replacing the previous hydraulic controls), and she has just had a tip-to-toe valet for the 2024 summer season!

Sales Video

Nice to Meet You Andrew – Owner of Cara Marine 18m HOUND

Sea Trial Video

£395,000 Yacht Tour : 2004 Cara Marine 18 Metre

Manufacturer’s Comments

Professional standards of seakeeping and manoeuvrability are now available to the discerning private owner with the introduction of Cara Marine’s 18m luxury motor yacht.

Characteristics that prompted a leading UK harbour authority to comment “Cara (build)… one of the finest, if not THE finest pilot launch in the world”, are now incorporated into a new design that offers the proven Safety, Ease-of-Handling, and Operational Integrity of a commercial craft, with the Luxury of a ‘Quality Build’ Motor Yacht.

Waterjet propulsion provides outstanding berthing capabilities, good low speed handling, safety, fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance, whilst the vessel’s design offers the peace of mind which puts enjoyment and pride back in to boat ownership.

Relaxing Environment – from the large social aft platform with fridge and wet bar, to the luxurious high quality interior, all beautifully appointed with the best quality woods and fabrics. The whole vessel is air conditioned throughout, all areas are spacious enough to allow comfortable, unrestricted use with plentiful storage.

The whole concept of the vessel is one designed for use – either for ocean cruising or gentle trips up canals or rivers. The design is practical, timeless, easily maintained and durable, which along with the excellent seakeeping, will help to maintain the residual value of the craft.

Independent Reviews

1. “Now here’s a very interesting development. Coupling jet-drives to big diesels is normally the preserve of military or commercial boat operators. So it takes a lot of nerve to couple a pair of 660hp Cats to Hamilton waterjets and fit them in an 18m patrol boat hull”…. “They provide unmatched manoeuvrability – once you have experienced a jet-drive boat, nothing else comes close”…. “And two of the boat owner’s greatest fears evaporate: running aground and ripping off your sterngear, and inadvertently macerating your friends swimming around the boat. With only 700mm below the water, there’s a whole world of shallow water and waterway cruising to be discovered.”
   Motor Boat & Yachting – September 2001
2. “The Cara Marine launch is one of the finest, if not THE finest, pilot launch currently in the world. Our particular operation demands much from a launch in structural strength, reliability, low maintenance and manoeuvrability. I believe it achieves the highest scores in all these areas.”
   Captain David Shennan, Harbour Master, Harwich Haven Authority
3. “The Cara Marine (pilot boat) was probably the finest boat of her type that I have handled in heavy weather and from the point of manoeuvrability in confined areas.”
   Captain John Williams, Extra Master
4. “The Cara Marine pilot launch has operated in all weather conditions and has proved to be very well designed and durable, with excellent seakeeping qualities – in particular while running ahead of Atlantic sea and swell conditions.”
   Captain M McCarthy, Deputy Harbour Master, Port of Cork
5. “At all times, the boat has proven to have excellent seakeeping, handles very well, is stable, responsive and surprisingly dry on deck.”
   Captain Alan Coghlan, Harbour Master, Shannon Estuary Ports