Keel and Co.

So, it's been a long time since my last update, and we've got a lot of stuff done. All the decking has been finished, with only the cockpit floor and sides to be completed. After a few minor dealings with customs, all our hardware has finally arrived, and we're currently in the process of deciding how to run and place it all, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

We've got our rig, and we're looking at the completion of the boat relatively soon, as the keel is really the only major project left to finish, and I'll keep everyone updated on that.

Til' then, stay tuned.

Decked to Impress.

It's been a while since my last decent post, so here's one to satisfy. We've recently been focusing mainly on the deck, with a little bit of work, mainly fairing, continuing on the keel. The foredeck has been placed, secured and cut down, with only a little amount of sanding still needed to bring it into line with the hull. Also, the same work has been done with the port side mid-decking, just around the side of the cabin.

As we still have uncertainty over exactly what we are going to do as far as cabin entry is concerned, we are yet to make a move with the starboard decking, as the hole there is currently our only means of access inside. If anyone has any ideas about cabin entry, please let us know, they would be greatly appreciated.

And here is a picture of the keel, although it is a tad dark. It still needs to be cut down a bit further, as well as been glassed.

Gray Scale

Bit of painting happening up the front..

Cabin Magic.

So, after an extra week or so, the boys have finished the cabin flooring, and it's all filleted in, and looks great. Also, they've started and got alot of progress made on the the coach-house roofing.

We're making great progress at the moment, so look forward to a few more posts coming up very soon. Stay tuned!

More Carbon, and more wood.

So, after about 5 or 6 weeks, we're smoking along very nicely. After receiving the prodder and sleeves from C-Tech, progress on that area happened very quickly. The outer sleeve has now been secured to the hull and the forward-most bulkhead. 500mm wide Carbon tape as well as fiberglass was used to attach it through the side of the bow.We're now in the process of deciding on a set-up for our tackline and pole extension systems.

The other thing that we've started doing is the floor of the

cabin. We've so far completed the starboard side of the cabin, and should be finishing it all in the coming week.

Lots of Black Stuff.

We have now received our Carbon Prodder, complete with inner and outer sleeves from C-Tech in New Zealand. We cut the hole out of the bow today, in an offset position, to fit the outer sleeve through.

We set the prodder up, just to have a look at roughly how far it'll go, just holding it in by hand, and by hell, it's gonna carry a lot of sail.

Thanks to Alex and the team at C-Tech, who've done a great job with all the gear, and have also been very helpful with tips on how to set it up properly. We'll be looking to set and rig up the system in the coming days or week, so stay tuned!

Caaaarbon.

So, after filleting everything, and having a look at the boat, we decided not only that we wanted Carbon Taping in some areas, but that we also wanted to stiffen the hull a bit more, as well, as adding deck supports, and cockpit floor supports. So we've put 100mm Carbon Tape down through the centre, and then resined it on. We've run it along from the bow to the stern, including the crash bulkhead. Our chain plates look and feel as though the Hulk couldn't pull them out, so we're happy with that. Also, our prodder has arrived from C-Tech, so I'll put some

pictures up of that asap.

Discussion and Innovation..

So, 3 weeks since we started and the build is coming along very well.We've filleted all of the interior joins, and glassed/taped all but two/three of them. Today, we put two structural 'stringers' in the transom to back frame area. These are for three purposes;
1) Support for the cockpit floor when it's put on;
2) Give strength to and to stiffen up the hull; and
3) As side supports for the icebox/eski will be located under the cockpit floor near the transom, easily accessible through a hatch in the floor.

Pictures of the Icebox structure..

And of our stiffening along the side-rear panels..

We're looking to try and start laminating the keel blade in the next couple of days, however we're still looking for lead for the bulb, so that presents a bit of an issue.
Look forward to posting more pictures in the coming days.

2 weeks in.

So, we started our build 2 weeks ago, with cutting out parts from templates etc. And now, we've filleted most of the frames in to the hull. and we're finishing them all off and sanding them down in the next couple of days.
We just scarfed the floor of our hull together, but for our sides, we just did the whole stitch-and-glue thing, just resined them together with glass tape etc.Attached are some images of the build so far, which is progressing nice and quickly. We're currently on the prowl for a new rig and sails, not used, so if anyone has any ideas, and you could let us know, that would be great.