Etive Explorer is a 10 m Blyth Catamaran, licenced annually to carry 12 passengers and two crew members.  This type of boat is very stable with a 5m beam, making her very comfortable as a cruising vessel. She has twin 170hp Yanmar diesel inboard engines and cruises at 8-9 knots, a perfect speed to enjoy the views. As a coded passenger vessel, we carry all the required safety equipment in the unlikely event of any emergency.

The island wheelhouse and ample deck space enables passengers to freely walk around to get their preferred vantage point, which includes up forward. There is plenty of seating available on deck and a mixture of sheltered seating and standing room in and behind the wheelhouse which allows shelter from even the wettest West coast weather. There is also a small galley area for preparing hot drinks etc.

Skipper Kyle Dods

Relief Skipper Chris Jackson (Jacko) has a long career on the sea, starting as a Clearance Diver in the Royal Navy. As well as his navy experience, he has worked as a commercial diver in the UK, Africa and the Far East, working with a variety of craft and has many tales to tell. In 1995 he moved inland and began farming beef and sheep near Biggar, South Lanarkshire.  After waiting for 20 years for the tide to come in, Chris ‘retired’ from farming and moved to Oban with his wife Helen, to get back to sea…

Chris holds a Commercially Endorsed Advanced Power Boat licence to carry 12 passengers up to 20 miles from a safe haven, day or night.

He is very enthusiastic about the wonderful scenery and diverse wild life the west coast of Scotland has to offer and looks forward to sharing this with you and welcoming you on board the Etive Explorer.

Crew: Sam Dods

Crew: Ronald Blue