Locals create superyacht heli-deck

Engineers from a Westhaven-based specialist marine engineering company have helped create an innovative helicopter deck for a visiting superyacht.

General Marine Services, which regularly works on refurbishment projects, was asked to help transform an existing "heli-deck" into one that could also double as an outdoor entertaining area or "party deck".

According to GMS director Roy Chalton, while the yacht's old steel deck was being replaced with a high-tech composite/teak version, the GMS team had to create an innovative fold-down rail to safely enclose the 10m sq deck.

"The rail had to be attractive, highly polished and very strong and sturdy," said Chalton.

"It also had to look as though it was a permanent fixture while being able to fold down out of the way quickly and easily."

The rail also had to meet stringent safety standards, with the hinging/retaining system able to withstand the weight of heavy-wall 316 stainless tube in both the up and folded-down positions.

The rail system also had to incorporate 316 stainless mounting pads for five powerful outdoor speakers, four large umbrellas and an array of sun furniture, as well as a stairway to the new deck and gates to the rails surrounding the newly extended dive platform.

Chalton says GMS used the latest AutoCAD design and fabrication equipment to create the sophisticated rail system.

"We continually have to invest in the latest technology. Superyacht owners are always looking for something special, something new, something that no other owner has.

"These things are not available 'off the shelf' so we have to be able to design, build and install whatever they want."