Building a Steel Boat

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-03T14:22:00.000Z

am.... am Hello...
It's kinda weird doing this again. I nearly had to figure it all out again.

Firstly a note to any emails I have recieved in the last few months, replys coming soon...

Ok so update news.. of sorts.

The last update was last april. Its weird to think that amount of time has passed and it seems like nothing happened.
In truth, some problems arose with the final welds on the underside of the boat . Some 400 feet of welds were 95% true. It was the 5% I wasn't happy with. So as I have managed to do everything 100% correct so far. I made a decision to cut out and re-weld all 400 feet of them.. that took all of June, July and some of August. It was a a 3 week job that took 3 months because of wind, rain etc.. With winter on the horizon it was now necessary to house the boat. This as you can see is no easy job. The scaffold is borrowed form some very nice people, the scaffold plastic came in 17 x 10 metre sheets. It took a few weeks but i had if fully covered in september, ready for final sanding, blasting and primer. So I thought....lol...

Early october saw gale force winds that ripped a rather large hole in my plans. In effect I had to cut the roof with a knife at 1am in the morning during a storm.. this left the sides un attached and by following morning it was in an un-recoverable state back out in the rain.

What to so now...

Building the scaffold to make the roof

Structure in place. Cad drawings ensured the scaff was in the right place to meet the roof trusses.

Fully covered and ready for paint..... Not!

Size of a church building.

Aprez storm... sides ripped to bits. roof? what roof!!

Part 2 of this below.

2010-01-03T13:15:00.001Z

Clonmel Covers made this new roof for the boat.

Its reinforced, takes 2" steel pipes each side to tension it and is secured with webbing every 8 feet.

We hauled it up and over with 3 800 kg winches.

It was supposed to be an 8 man job but I managed this on my own with the boys doing the winch control.

Soon I will have the gables on and get new side plascic and attach it in a better way.

Anybody going the the Excel Boat show London??

I'll be there 11th and 12th.

Update On Water tank

2009-04-14T23:22:00.002+01:00

Pictures taken 10-march 2009,

1200Litre Fresh water tank assembly in Eurofab

Under sides all tacked and lined up ok.
I did have a slight error on my drawing and had to fit it somewhat.

Inside ring for access hole (4 in total) with the bolts welded.
All stainless

Strip welding the baffles in place.

As of 10th April the tank is only waiting for the lid to be fitted and some pipework.
All outside welding done.

Finished raised floor

2009-04-14T23:10:00.002+01:00

Part of an update,
Pics taken 11th March 09.

Finished new floor height

Centre Girders back in place

New Cut in 1st step to aft cabin, now there will be 4 steps instead of 3 and will be better

Aft Bulkhead getting reinforcing box to carry aft wall

Other side.

Once this was in I re -attached new 50mm angles to the aft wall and cut out the lower origional ones

New Floor height

2009-03-08T23:49:00.004Z

8th March 2009

Grinding still going on and I have spent a few more days finishing the welding that needed doing
mostly under girders and impossible places to get to and I LEFT THEM TILL LAST...!!!
The outer hull is now fully complete and will only need grinding and sanding before the blast and the primer.

Some months ago I got a reference drawing from the designers showing a particular detail.

The other thing I noticed was that on that design, the saloon floor was higher than mine.

I totally ignored it till the other day. ...Why higher.?

So on friday I looked at it seriously. The other floor was 200mm (8 INS) higher. On mocking up a box and looking i felt it was too high, but the visibility was much better tru the front windows.
I then decided was it possible to raise the floor 100mm .
The view was better and still plenty of headroom.

My local supplier of steel had all I needed and the lengths were delivered friday evening.

One concern from the designer was not to add too much weight.
Total weight added 68.5 Kgs.

I started cutting out the floor girders this morning (Sunday) and by 10pm tonite it is 80% done.

100mm x 6mm flat bar 4.2 m long to sit on top of the bulkheads

I cut out the backing strips 100mm to allow the new plates to be welded. I cut blanks and scribed them and cut with the jig saw.

Bulkhead FR4 ready for welding

On the front bulkhead I added a 100 x 50mm box to build up from the angles and make the whole thing stronger,

Port side looking back completed.

As such its using all the standard parts , but just raising them.

I now have 100mm extra headroom in the engine room and more space to run ducts etc.

I will also run stuff tru the Box section on the front as there will be a hatch just underneath the box section.

Winner all round and the floor is better higher.

Hope to finish it tomorrow evening and cut in the steps for the aft cabin.

In Other news....

Stainless Steel water tank will probably get finished this week.

The grey water tanks ( 3 of them) are now basically designed should have them in a few weeks.

The Big Grind Begins...

2009-03-04T22:12:00.004Z

Last weekend 28th Feb I started the final grinding of the outer hull along all the weld lines.
The sandblasting day is coming fast.
Theres a few things left to do structurally and I'm trying to get them all done before the blasting starts.
Theres probably a few days grinding left..

The pics below are only taken today 4th march on my phone so the quality is bad.
I designed a 1200Litre Freshwater tank for the front under floor of the boat.
As I moved the engine back in design I'm adding a bit of water to counter 0.8 degree.

Eurofab (Nose cone ppl) got this laser cut and its been down there for a couple of weeks waiting for time to weld it.

We got some of it tacked today and its lining up nicely.
I dont have TIG welding gear nor have I ever done it, so its pro welding here...

Front end, waiting for the other bit of the floor to get tacked.

The tank will sit across Frames 9, 10, 11. and matckes the shape of the boat exactly.

more pics when we do more on it.

Not getting any comments or mails for ages , yet over 900 views a month..

all quiet out there....?

Since oct 2007 14,000 people have viewed the blog.. thanks...

2009-02-27T08:12:00.004Z

26-02-09 part 1

This is the anchor swivel that will fit into the bow tube.
I have mounted it on 10mm plate

It is tapped for the 8 bolts and ss steel nuts backwelded also.

Radius in 10mm cut with a jigsaw again.. its amazing what it can do.

Beefing up the plate for strength.

2009-02-27T08:06:00.002Z

26-2-09 Part 2

The Plate is now shaped and the back radius cut to shape

Fully welded in place.

View from front, Once I have the anchor I will cut out the rest of the nose to fit it.

Looks great and is now seriously strong.

Happy.. yes!

Mock up

2009-02-17T00:02:00.001Z

17th Feb 2009

I added more recent pic on the header of the blog.

Heres a view of the windlass, I will have to off set it to line the chain and finish the back end of the cone to hold the swivel.
I have also ordered the 30kg Bruce for test fitting.

I also have to place and strengthen the cleats for the bow and cut fairleads to let the ropes out.

I have to say, its getting there. !!

Nose fitting part 2

2009-02-15T23:47:00.002Z

16th Feb 2009

Sides cut, shaped and welded in.

I used the original front piece to cut the filler pieces below.

I used the bit of the bottom inside bulwark to make the 25mm high step.

The centre piece is the cut out from the aft thruster hole, its the proper steel and its a form of recycling I guess!!!

The inside of the cone will get steel to mount the swivel, top edge stiffening metal and a tube to cary power for the anchor lighting.

Fitting the Nose Cone Part 1

2009-02-13T23:33:00.003Z

13th Feb 2009

I used the test piece to hold the nose in place for fitting, I set the angle from the design in Cad i added to the boat drawings and lined up the bevel to copy it .

Nose piece can slide in and out as I cut out the fitting shape.

Anchor swivel head will live in the nose.

Sides cut away and nose piece shaped to get the first welds

Upward view

14-2-2009 setting the top cut to flow with the top of the bulwark.

It was really a case of what looked best.

Nose Cone (Bow sprit)

2009-02-12T23:13:00.002Z

I showed this picture ages ago as it is the marked out sheet for the cone.
Some Good people at Eurofab Technologies Ltd. are to bend it on a press brake.

www.eurofab.ie

There was a smaller test piece also marked up for the setup

12th Feb we get a clear hour to do the bend as the factory is usually busy doing lots of repeat work.

First test piece 90 % correct.
We also did a piece only 2mm thick to get the bend radius correct.

Final piece ready to get bent. I had the sheet marked at 22 degree intervals, we decided that more hits at 11 degrees would give a better shape.

All setup to go. 1 piece and 1 go. !!!
The Boys weren't worried.....

Naturally the piece is 100% perfect. 270 mm Dia at the top and 110mm at the bottom.
Better than I expected.

Aft Seat

2009-02-10T22:55:00.002Z

Aft Seat has the reverse design to the gas container.

Using a 30mm plumbing pipe to create the radius on the top of the seat.

Its tacked so once its welded it will be smooth

seat supports to be fitted and a centre support yet to be fitted

I will fill in the corners to be uniform.

Gas Storage Locker

2009-02-10T17:37:00.001Z

Just tacked this together Friday 6th Feb, spent a few hours cutting the various bits and marking up the floor to get it right first time.

Tacked a top edge strip to allow the lid to sit against it.

Bent a bit of 50 x 4 around the seam to make the front of the lid.

Held it all in place with little tabs, then scriped and cut the lid to size

Corner to corner weld required.

The finished box,

very happy with it, exactly as per my original drawings.

the top seat will mirror it in reverse.

Cutting Corners!

2009-02-09T17:24:00.000Z

I need to build 2 new things.
1 a gas storage box under the aft windows,
2 a aft seat on the aft deck. this will be additional storage and also provide space for the name of the boat.
Its picked.. but I am not telling!!!!

165mm Dia pipe I found in a skip in a school after some major plumbing job

I need 2 cuts at 67 and 73 degrees. cut them with a Makita Jigsaw.

Nice straight lines

67deg bit for gas tank.

2009-02-08T16:07:00.000Z

Last castle removal

Now standing on 4 points a side and some help from the centre with bottle jacks

There is a small wobble but it has still stood during 100kmh winds.

2009-02-04T17:19:00.001Z

Sand Blaster arrived 4th Feb.

Finished Stern thruster plate

Engine Bed Cut outs

2009-01-27T00:15:00.001Z

28th Jan 2008 ( I think)

The next few posts may not be in the correct order as I have taken the pics but not uploaded to the pc and I now have to remember what I did when...

1st Cut into the engine girders to allow the correct spacing for the 3 items that will be too near them.

Cut out and welded in 50x10mm bar for the after cooler.

2 on the other side for the hydraulic pumo and the 2nd alternator.

All ground down, back welded and finger smooth.

Engine beds

2009-01-23T19:43:00.003Z

23-1-09

I made theese last weekend during a force 10 storm.
I have to say I was a bit concerned about the boat and that high wind.
Its still standing...

They are 1900mm long and 200mm x 10mm thick.
They were clamped to the RSJ to keep them straight.

Inside Backing strip to stop the girder sides flexing

Beds Fitted

Both sides fully welded.

The engine mounts will be on the centre line of each supporting triangle except the middle one.

Engine mounting mock up

2009-01-19T19:31:00.003Z

19-01-09

Because I am mounting the engine some 400 mm aft and slightly lower,
certain parts of the engine will now meet the girders.

I mocked up this timber version showing the top surface of the girders.
Its spaced correctly on the delivery pallet of the engine.
I used 10mm threaded bar to set the heights.

2nd atlernator will touch the girders

Aftercooler needs clearance too.

2009-01-18T19:23:00.001Z

18th Jan 2009

Wet and windy day view of the castles or lack of them....lol

Welded in the stern thruster plate

Side view showing the flat plate in the curved transom

Getting off the castles

2009-01-16T18:41:00.003Z

In early Jan 09 I took the boat off 3 of the 4 castles to enable final welding underneath.

4 th castle under FR12 removed

3 rd castle under frame 8 getting loosend. I actually cut all the welds on one side and then beat the thing over on the uncut side.

Nearly out, it fell from this point and snapped all the welds

Built this adjustable pair of supports, similar to front one.

its lifting on a bulkhead point.

The bits are rated 4 ton each.

2 down 2 to go.

2009-01-16T18:11:00.001Z

Part 2

no 3 castle under FR4 ready to come down.
At this point the wind and rain came, so rather than try to jack the boat.
I eased it up to just clear the hull and used straps to pull it over.

Almost broken off

Jack just getting it free.

Gone and 3rd set of mounts now fitted.

The last castle will be gone in a week or so.

Happy New Year.

2009-01-12T23:56:00.001Z

Hi, All.
As usual heaps of delays , work and weather.
You might have noticed the time clock dissapearing a while back. It would take a miracle now.

However, I haven't been updating the blog I have been working all I can at the Boat.
This is the first of a few updating posts.

They will as usual be the wrong way round

Above , the marked out nose cone for the anchor. you will see what I mean once its bent.

St Stephens Day. Bow tunnel cut to size

Front Castle has to go. its in my way to join the sheets

All ready for welding.

Stern Thruster plate ready for fitting

2009-01-11T00:14:00.001Z

Part 2 of update:

Stern Thruster GRP tunnel will be mounted under the waterline on the transom

Hole cut for the plate.

The Fuel tanks need to be lowered into position to make the mounting rails for them.
They have been built here on the saloon floor. Piping fitted already.

4 x 400kg hoists fitted to saloon roof

Hoist control dude! (6 yrs old) I can't control motors and manoever them.

2009-01-10T00:50:00.000Z

Update 3

Dara lowering in tank

One in

Bow tube welding

Both sides finished. Took nearly 3 hours. serious welding done

Inside ready for welding

2009-01-09T01:01:00.002Z

Update 4

I decided to sink the midships stancions into the bulwark rather than setting on the walkway causing a trip hazard. I want them to follow the upper lines of the bulwarks.
2 each side.
this is a mock up picture after cutting out the piece in one bit.

Added the side bits first, then curved the plate to siut the shape and bolted and sealed the SS Stansion to it.

Used the cut out to shield the stancion from the welder.

covered the bits to grind down

This is the front mid ships one just fitted but not ground in or sanded

Long view of the aft one, it looks perfect.

Bits arriving

2008-11-23T09:39:00.002Z

23-11-2008

Bow Thruster tunnel before fitting

Hydraiulic tank and solenioids

Capstan

100m of 13mm chain
weighs 500+ Kgs

The Thruster tunnel is 268 mm OD
The Hole cut was 250mm
So I think i should have bought a smaller tunnel and thruster.

I Copied the cad drawing with the new size to make a plastic template.

Fitting Bow Tunnel

2008-11-23T08:52:00.001Z

23-11-2008 Part 2

Thruster Tunnel drilled for the thruster.
The centre Line is the centre of the prop.

Showing the new hole size after the template.
Cutting this was easy. Enter Makita Tools once again.
I cut both sides with a varispeed Makita Jigsaw.
1 blade was used with some cutting fluid.

Bits cut out. and tube inserted.

Tube fully in ready for scribing and cutting to shape.

Inside view of the fitted tunnel, Now you can see why I had to keep the tube forward away from the bulkhead.

Fit is perfect.

More soon. just not getting time to get this done.

2008-10-13T01:17:00.001+01:00

12th October 2008

Am... hello ... rem me..

To the many who have been checking in all the time thanks for staying with this.

Cam working again, need to get the spider web off the lense.

Now story time.....

I hope you all enjoyed the lovely wet summer we have had here, between the weather and work I am now some months behind where I wanted to be.
The pictures below are really from the last post until the other day so they are not really recent.

Some things that are now done:

All the internal welding is now complete
All the outside main sheets running on the spray rails are complete, as are all the top bulwark edges and all of the flybridge.

The Internal entrance steps are 50% DONE just to wait till the engine lands in and I can finish them to the floor.
The radar arch is up and fully welded except for internal fittings to close the inside bits with white plastic.

Radar arch before fitting

New Re-designed entrance and seat, its way smaller than was as I realised I hadn't any 7 Foot friends. The entrance first step being sofar back meant I could take 4" off the top and rake the front way back to mimic the radar arch angle. (thanks to Edgar for showing me the error of my ways) I had really made a big square box on top of the lovely sweeping lines of the radar arch.....

Here she is in all her glory.
If you plugged the stern tube it would float .!!!!!!

I closed off the end of the flybridge wall and merged the radar arch. its totally smooth once sanded and will look great, I also added a dummy piece to thicken the side sheet. bent a bit of 50mm bar onto it.

About 3 weeks ago I finally ordered all the Vetus kit.

Soon the engine, hydraulic tank, pump and thrusters will be here along with steering and controls.

I have also designed a 1200 litre fresh watertank for up under the fwd floor.

This is a 2 part post..

2008-10-13T01:10:00.000+01:00

12th October 2008 Part 2.

Bullwark plating fitted, I added this to continue the thickness up to the aft roof level.
The angled piece is custom and tacked and beated into shape, its actually twisted over two different axis.. not standard but it looks great. I will do the same where the radar arch meets the flybridge sides to sweep it back.

Plumbed fuel tanks, both thanks are fitted with inlets, vents, abalance pipe between each tank and a 20mm takeoff and return .
One tank will feed the engine and the other will feed the generator. both tanks are balances so its really one big tank. 2000 liters in total.

Bullwark plating looking aft.
I'm going to fit 2 stancions along the midships. I will recess these into the side rather than mount on the floor causing a trip hazard, Bits are on the way.. VETUS again..

Bullwark plating looking forward.
Note the gap at the bow..

I am putting a conical shaped bowsprit here to house the anchor ( a 30Kg Bruce)
I have a funky anchor roller bought in Germany and the cone shaped piece is being laser cut and will ne bent by friends of mine into shape.
I will show pics when I'm doing it..

Got a fit Last sunday the 5th October..
did this in 4 hours. then I ran out of gas... always on a weekend!!!!

Before you wonder if the steps are level, they are ...
remember the floor and Flybridge roof are curved...
not bad for a 23 year old Makita 9" grinder....

The kids love the new steps.
I could do the same on the other side but I really don't want to as it takes too much space. I have a life raft canister to put on the other side.

Thats the BIG update to date.

The inside will now need sand blasting and I have the man to do it soon.
The whole thing is going fine just very slow.

More soon as I have some time this week

2008-08-16T23:08:00.003+01:00

Big update comming soon..

Waterford County Flag on the Boat for the Hurling match Sunday.

Lit by Dara.

2008-06-29T23:50:00.002+01:00

28th & 29th June 2008

Good weekend on the boat.
Got the entrance and seat welded down.
I'll cut out the seat top in the next day or two.

Also got both Swimdeck steps fully welded

I tackled the rub rails on saturday and managed to get the left side tacked and shaped.

I am very pleased with the outcome.

Gort the other side done today (Sun) and then started to frame under the swim deck.
Slightly unknown waters here as there isint a plan as such as the extended swim platform is custom to this boat only.
The underside of the rub rails have to merge with the underside of the platform,
Also theres a really funky idea i'm working on that involves some cool additions and some hydraulics..

6 of the 9 stiffeners welded in.

2008-06-27T23:59:00.003+01:00

27th June 2008

No pictures to show, but work well under way.

The Aft Cabin roof has been fully welded and is now totally waterproof.

The Flybridge floor has also been welded down and tidied up where I cut out for the new door.

The Aft steps are 50% fully welded in and should be done over the weekend.

All thats left will be the upper spray rail and the fore deck roof. then alot of tidying up.

some time next week I should be doing the out side welding..

I've been messing with the grawings to produce a line drawing that can be used for some of the panels,

This is the boat as will be built on its waterline, I like it!

2008-06-25T23:32:00.002+01:00

25th June 2008

Today, I got some plate cut to finish the entrance

Inner bits from flybridge cut to shape

All lined up fine

The seat top will be cut to shape of the base.

View from the inside

2008-06-24T23:16:00.002+01:00

24th June 2008

Raining again, we managed to push on.
The side panels I cut on Sunday fitted fine.

Note The floods of rain.

I want a half round edge on the front and back to make it smooth looking, I cut this into quarters,
If you ever need a grinder get a Makita, I'm 41 and Got that same grinder for my 16th birthday.

Quarter rounds fitted.

Rough outline of the seat front, The curved bits are supposed to inside plate the flybridge.
I am doing it different so these bits can get cut down to make the seat front curved.
The roof will be cut under the final lines.
I have finished the step heights on CAD and the clearances are going to be great.

2008-06-22T23:03:00.002+01:00

22nd June 2008

Bright and really windy day today, No point in trying to finish weld as the wind is too high.
I decided the aft steps were going in today,
the small welds needed would be fine if they were wind blown.

As it was , It was access to the inside for months now.

Inner curved plate and capping strip hammered into shape as it was welded up to the top.

3 of the 5 steps fitted.

The finished steps, I did move the curved bit on the side to fit to the steps correctly,

Product testing, Dara was the first to climb them.
He spent the day helping me.

2008-06-22T22:16:00.002+01:00

22nd June 2008 part 2:

OH.. A huge "hi" to my Canadian relatives who checked in recently....

So where was I?

Now that the 2 sets of steps are in, the only access to the inside was as Dara demonstrated...

There is and was a plan for the actual entrance sliding doorway and steps into the pilothouse.

Heres where the door is going.

Off cuts of steel that were not used in the cutting of the kit, they have been lying there for months now.

I have the drawings already done in CAD and measured and cut both sheets with a 9" grinder, they are spot on.

Flybridge floor and back wall cut to tale the side sheets, I wont explain whats happening here as its too hard, just watch what happens..

Back to the boat on tuesday..

2008-06-21T18:14:00.002+01:00

21st June 2008

Longest day of the year brings torrential rain.
However, having the walkways welded allowed for a little testing..
I think its time to drill some holes to drain them..
Hopefully it won't rain tomorrow.

2008-06-20T23:33:00.003+01:00

20th June 2008

Welcome back!. well truth be known, I got fed up of setting deadlines only to see them dashed by weather or work. Its over a month since I have posted.
So what has happened.....
The Keel is 90% finished
The AFT cabin is 100 finish wellded on the inside
The Engine room needs a day or 2 to be finished on the inside
The salon inside walls are fully finished..!
and the whole front end of the boat is 95% welded on the inside

In the last 2 days we got the top bullwark strips fitted and it realy straightened out the tops of the side walls of the boat.
All the walkways are fully welded and also the top roof of the foredeck.

Essentially theres about 4 days and the inside of the hull will be finished.
It will take a week to do the outside.

Keel finished.

Aft side wall

Fully lined up and welded

Transom ready for outside welding

As it stands there are 2 areas on the inside that havent been welded to let the rain out!

2008-06-20T22:46:00.001+01:00

20th June 2008 PART 2

Lower spray rail welded on inside, lines are perfect.

Fwd Cabins area all done

Bulwark before . Note the uneven lines

After, 100% perfect ..

Tonights Sunset. longest day tomorrow 21St.

Sat and Sunday all welding
I am using a gas bottle every week now.

2008-05-14T23:47:00.002+01:00

14th May 2008

One of the keel sides fitted, some adjusting was needed but it fitted fine in the end.

Welded most of the way

starting to prepare for the back of the keel

Pulling in the two sheets to form the back of the keel.

2008-05-12T22:21:00.002+01:00

12th May 2008

Yet another delay in the build due to work.
Back at it again and the aft cabin is nearly fully welded,
The Keel was next to go in with the stern tube measured uo to line the keep frames to

Other news:

The engine and hydraulics are all sorted and I hope to have them here in June.
All supplied by VETUS.

Side plates next and then its done.
this will be fully welded rather than tacked.

2008-04-16T23:36:00.003+01:00

16th April 2008

The engine room is nearing finish welding, we spent the day getting everything in order and ran the welds. I had forgotten to take an over all pic since it was completed.

Presenting the assembled hull.

To say I'm sorta pleased with the outcome would be an understatement.

Full view of the boat, theres a 30 foot truck parked behind it!

2008-04-15T23:08:00.002+01:00

15th April 2008

Aft Cabin cleared out for final welding, Lots of cleaning to be done before the welding begins,
It will take a few days to weld this cabin....

3 days of welding in the engine room, its nearly done.

2008-04-10T00:33:00.002+01:00

9th April 2008

The beginning of the end,

Today I finished the flybridge bits and thought about what's next.
The radar arch won't go on for a while as its going to be bigger than the one with the kit.
The new design I have in mind will be on rams to lower it for Shannon river cruising is we decide to put it up there for a summer.
All thats left is the keel and the bulwark inner plating.
SO... its finish welding time...
started in the engine room and will work from centre to front and back in steps and from the centre to each side, swapping from side to side.

Its very time consuming but to get it right and clean is the only way.

The Flux cored wire gives a lovely finish.

2008-04-08T21:15:00.003+01:00

7th & 8th April 2008

Took off the bits I hurridly put on and finish welded the bits it will cover.

Front windows welded fully

Lower bit finished on the 7th, the side bits went on that night.

Pressiure required to shape the curve to the correct shape. its a case of "whatever works here"

Completed flybridge, then I ran out of gas...

2008-04-06T22:58:00.002+01:00

6th April 2008

Today I welded down the main roof, these clamps are really good. we have used them from day one. the abuse thay can take. (Irwin brand) dear but worth it.

OOPS, forgot to mention all the other stuff that got done in the last two weeks:
Second fuel tank fully closed and welded.
welded the gunnell walkways to the cabin sides.
organised the primer for the boat, Its going to be yellow for a few weeks... ouch!

Start of the fly bridge construction. All goes to plan

All the upright pieces in place.

The rails fitted and all lined up perfect.

lower curved bits roughly tacked for final cutting to size and welding.

OH.. I should have finish welded the bits it covered so it all has to come off again... DUH!!!!

Once removed and finished, I'll put it all back on again..

I'll get all this done this week.

2008-04-06T22:44:00.002+01:00

6th April 2008

Hi everyone, its been too long since I posted, some things did get done.
Last week was too busy, as usual I lost most of it to work.
Also last week saw the 4000th person looking at this blog, I hope you all enjoy it as much as i do doing it.

Below, with the nose fitted, time to get finishing the bow internally before I put the bow piece back on.

Internal view of the fully welded bow with the top laid in place.

some bits had to be welded with the use of a mirror to see underneath, that was huge fun.!!!

With the bow deck piece in place, I could finish the fore deck, I finished this on Sat 5th april.
The front bent bit fitted in easier than I thought.

Finished front end of the boat, ready for final welding

2008-03-23T22:34:00.002Z

22 March 2008

Saturday, Managed to get the bow piece in, This bit I was dreading as the hull and the formed piece have to be lined up perfect to get it right,

Measure twice and cut once... was the order of the day.

I added the strip and 25mm box section to allow me to lever the 2 pieces flush and then weld.
the whole thing was lined up like this and i think it was a good way to approach it.

All welded in and the inside is now nearly done too.

Note the missing bit, I am extending a bow sprit to hold the anchor.
the hull is now ready for final welding very soon.

2008-03-18T23:47:00.002Z

18th March 2008

Now that the superstructure is nearly complete, I need to finish hull and the last remaining part of the bow.

Front widows looking good.

Bow piece marked and ready to be cut to shape.

Bow piece cut to size, it will need some grinding to get it to fit perfect.

2008-03-16T22:54:00.002Z

16th March 2008

Port side tank completley welded, ready for some paint

Time to put in the front window frames.

All lined up fine, Now I can get on with the foredeck roof.

Looks impressive,

2008-03-15T23:48:00.003Z

15th March 2008

Getting some things done, firstly, I decided its too hard to get new gas bottles on board so I extended the line and now the gas will live on the ground outside the boat.
I used airline connection at the welder to allow me to move the feed fast.

Finished the 10 porthole rings.

Both fuel tanks are now ready for the top lids.
Both tanks will be finished on Sunday

More pics tomorrow.

2008-03-11T22:15:00.002Z

11th March 2008

Just an update for the regulars,

Some work is being done although its not very often,
The last 4 days have been really bad with 140kmh winds and heavy rain.
On sunday night I went out to check the welds on the castles supporting the boat as it was being buffetted in the high winds, thankfully all was well.
If the boat has fallen off the castles due to a collapse. I seriously think it would be destroyed.
The Aft cabin roof has been welded down and is rain proof now.
The 2 fuel tanks are nearly finished along with some house keeping.
the comming week will allow me at the boat for most of the week.

No pictures to show for now.

2008-03-03T12:28:00.002Z

2nd March 2008

Over the weekend I managed to get some house keeping done.
The saloon had to be tacked to the aft roof and dividing bulkhead.
Finished the tops of the aft cabin walls
put in the rear window inserts

Added the rub rail under the extended swim deck.

10 of these porthole rings have to be ringed with 40 x 5mm flat to recess the protholes.
Mc Guivering again!.

These bases are for holding up curtains at shows.... one of them has 4 new holes...

Perfectly formed. I'm pleased with the result,
6 left to do.

2008-02-29T23:56:00.003Z

29th Feb 2008

Today we built the 2 x 1000 litre fuel tanks.
They were tacked and lined up fine.
Once finished and painted, they will stay above the floor until the full welding is complete in the engine room, then insulation and finally the tanks will be sited under the floor.

Partly welded to stop it from warping.

End section, welded inside and outside.

The flux cored wire is magic.

2008-02-28T18:23:00.003Z

28th Feb 2008 part 2 of possibly 3...

Pic of roof section, this is now all tacked and nearly 100% in place.
we also flipped one of the foredeck bits to allign the main windows in front.

Introducing the "Thinga-ma-jig 3000"
A little jem of a tool for marking lines from the marked side to the under side.
Patent pending... discounts available for any sales....

Wow, it just looks so good. you just have to admire the designers..

From the neighbours house, and the shutter half jammed

More later..

2008-02-28T18:12:00.002Z

28th Feb 2008 Part one

Last full day this week of serious work, things will slow down for a few days.
We put in the roof stiffeners and put in the side wall stringers, All went fine.

Side walls completed. (roof frame backing strips to be cut.)

Roof of saloon goes up in 3 pieces

Picture of deboet from 16metres up. DONT ask how we did it..
All health and Safety rules were obeyed.... NOT!!!!!

My new front lawn. on the 30th October 2007, this had tons of metal all over it.

This pic is taken from the fly bridge floor.

2008-02-27T23:22:00.002Z

27th Feb 2008 Later.

Added the side of the cabin for a test fit

Top stringers welded on the saloon side walls.

Great day... we have the loader till 2pm tomorrow and we will get the saloon roof laid on.
thats the last of the heavy lifting done.
we did remember to put the sheets of the fuel tanks into the boat before the saloon frames went up..
it would have been fun if we forgot.

2008-02-27T23:09:00.002Z

27th Feb 2008

Its my birthday, 41 today.

Got a good day and a clear one from work.
Heres whats left on my front lawn, I had to cut the grass yeaterday around the bits.

In January I put the roof of the main saloon on the aft cabin roof. Today I realised that there was no way we could lift them without a front loader.

Enter the Frontloader from Fraher Tool hire.
20 minutes notice and it was in the yard.

I couldn't see where the sheet was to go so we used headsets for theatre to communicate.

Other side.

Landed in fine.

All roof frames in and the front deck laid on for fitting.

2008-02-26T22:24:00.002Z

25 & 26th Feb 2008

Monday rained on and off, but I managed to get the port side forward walkway welded in place, As the back one was in the right place, this one fitted good at the bow end but not so good at the back end, I had to force out a frame or two 5mm or so to correctly position it.
One side down one to go.

Pic shows a mis alignment of FR12 due to the fact that we had to move it.

During today (tuesday) we attacked the starboard side front walkway.
OUCH!
fitted fine at the back but 12mm under shaped at the bow. Looking at it it meant that Frames 9,10 &11 needed to be moved out 5mm thus giving us the 12 at the bow.

This morning we built the following structure to apply 20 tons of pressure at the same time to the 3 frames, bit by bit out it went. no welds cracked as it gently went out.

Scaffold and 8 ton jacks.

there it is all good,
Note the bow piece is just laid in, it has to come out to finish a few bits.

Dad comes to see progress.

Tonite, I tacked bits of scrap to help carry the tops of the aft cabin, They are ready for welding, just to get help with them.

Busy couple of days, its really comming together now. 1 weeks time will make a huge difference.

2008-02-24T22:14:00.000Z

24th Feb 2008

OK ... I was a little hasty on saturday saying what would happen next.
Sunday (all day) was spent lining up side sheets that were only roughly tacked to the frames.
In order to set the top shape of the boat I had to re-position the whole left hand side of the boat top sheets. It took a while but worth the effort.

RHS getting the upper frames to hold the wheelhouse sides

Busy day...
LHS back walkway fitting perfect with some pushing etc.

2008-02-23T23:33:00.003Z

23-Feb 2008

WEBCAM Back up and running!!!!

Spent most of today lining up the Gunnels, some tidying had to be done as this is now the final shape of the side of the boat.

The next thing fitted is the lower frame bits to take the side of the saloon (wheelhouse)
Tomorrow I will fit the other side gunnels and then the boat has its final shape.

2008-02-22T21:58:00.004Z

22-Feb 2008

Beautiful mild day here in Ireland, not too much done but with much heavy lifting form the guys here, we managed or at least they managed to get the bow deck piece (aptly named the "Titanic Piece") and the side gunnells or deck plates.
These are only laid in for now to set and check the frames against them as they will set the final shape of the boat at that level.

Some things need a push and a pull so with the drawings tomorrow I will sort the little problems

Anyone with nothing to do tomorrow SAT 23rd please come and hold the tape measure..!!!

I'll take better pics tomorrow.

lots to line up before tacking in the parts.

2008-02-21T22:28:00.004Z

21st Feb 2008

With the front upper sides up, we had the whole day at it today,

First of the 2 bow pieces fitted

Both sides nearly complete

Frame 15 gets fitted and forces the correct shape for the front bow piece

This was supposed to be a really hard bit as everything meets here, any mis-alignment will show up.

Because I spent 2 days straightning the lower side sheets to be as perfect as they could, it has paid off big time.

last frame frame in place.

Finally a complete tacked together main hull.

Tomorrow and the weekend will hopefully see the start of the main salon and foredeck

maybe it will be finished by march after all...?

Adam (3) looking for dad, he also wants me to build him a smaller boat he can play with as this one is just too big.!..

Ta Daa!!!!!

2008-02-19T22:31:00.002Z

19th Feb 2008

Spent the day at the boat today, RESULT!
spent all morning lining up the lower side sheets so that they lined up and met the spray rail.
at the boys came back and we started the upper sides. 1.5 hours a side and up they went.
Everything lined up perfect. All the hard work lining up the other sheets paid off big time.

Better pics tomorrow.

Today was a race as the lighting stands go to work holding up lights in a panto for 3 weeks statrting tomorrow.
Dont need them now... happy days!

2008-02-18T22:34:00.002Z

18th Feb 2008

Here we go again, fustration at having to work all the time,
I had hoped to be further on in the build, but i am getting back at it again with a "No prisioners" attitude.
Over the weekend I put in the floors of the forward cabins and over the engine room, they are just in temproary as they will come out for finishing the hull and installing the engine and tanks.

As you can see from the above pic, the side sheets didn't line up and the fun began.

I would like to thank the faithfull followers of this blog from all over the world, who have stayed looking and are waiting patiently for progress.

I Will put the camera on again soon.

Dara has new freedom gaining more access to the boat.

Finally lined up.

Span sets pulling the sides in.

2008-02-03T12:30:00.000Z

2-2-2008

Managed to get a few hours at the poor lonely hull, its impossible to work with the weather.
Today I got the port side lower sheet up and nearly placed ready for welding.
It lines up fine, with just a bit of jacking required to get all the frames lined up perfectly.

Inside its looking like a boat now.

Hopefully the weather will improve soon, I really want to get it done and finish the hull before the end of march.!

2008-01-27T18:40:00.000Z

27th January 2008

Finally a good day with no work.!
To be honest, I feel like its a month behind now and I'm going to try to get the time back through February.

On Wednesday last we raised the 1st of 6 pieces to finish the bow.
As the welder is trapped in the aft cabin I needed to cut the doorway through the bulkhead.

Doorway cut and supports replaced to allow the steps get recessed

Finally lining up the sheet with the upper spray rail slot and the lower one.
It lines up fine.

Keel piece used to allow space for the rail.

Hopefully more progress soon.

2008-01-17T22:51:00.000Z

17th Jan 2008

I'm Back.! well I've been here all the time, so has the rain, the flu I had and work.

Couple of things did happen.
I Drilled 2 holes trough the keel frames for the stern tube. 105mm wide
simple really, lined up the hole saw and applied tons of cutting fluid, weighted the handle as seen and let it off. 1 hour later.. done.. The poor drill managed it, it was bought nearly 25 years ago by my Dad

This is the flooding that the rain left.
We would have worked through it but for the bad flu I had for 6 days.

I did manage a 2 day trip to the London Boat show,
met with lots of suppliers and looked at all the things I needed to see.

Tourist Picture of the docklands.

Today we assembled and drilled the manhole covers for the fueltanks.

2008-01-07T00:42:00.000Z

6th January 2008

Its been a few days since I last posted. Really bad weather and high wind has left me indoors.

I did manage to get an hour here and there.

I had made a mistake in not allowing for an upright and welded the roof girder directly to the transom wall. Silly me!. it took an hour a side to remove them because the grinder wont fit in there. Bought extra long blades for my sabre saw and went at it.

All sorted now and I also fitted the correct stiffening pieces to the transom wall. There are some more modifications to follow to strengthen the aft roof and transom wall to support Davitts for lifting a dingy and outboard engine. I want them winch lifted with the motors under the swimdeck. I have it worked out. should be nice when done.

pics to follow:

View from the Aft roof. Its a big boat!

Aft Cabin built

2008-01-03T22:14:00.000Z

3rd January 2008

The frontloader wasn't collected so we made use of it while we had it.
Milo & I worked hard to complete the cabin bulkhead and line it up. Usual tensioning and lifting to get it right. Next went in the upper transom wall. I specified 2 port hole windows, you have to have one for escape but as its at eye level, I thought 2 would be nicer. The view while under way will be fab. It also gives more light into the cabin.

Stood up and tacked to the swim platform.

We raced to get the roof sections into place with a few welds to hold it together. the roof of this can only go in with the loader. It's 13 feet off the ground.

Aft roof goes up

All tacked into place. As such the only way forward on the boat is to climb under the front bulkhead. Soon I will cut the doorway to the main saloon and make some temporary steps.

View of roof

Outside view. Better pic in daylight.

2008-01-02T22:49:00.000Z

2nd January 2008 Part 2:

Madness continues... having the front loader till the morning, I figured it was best to stay working with it. Time = money and all that.

One slight problem was the gale force wind blowing from bow to stern.

It meant that the piece blew around like a piece of paper, It took time to line up but I managed to get it in right, as did the other side.

Clamps at work, I think I have 28 of them in various shapes.

2nd side going in.

Fitted left hand side.
This looks like a daylight picture but its with my new camera that my better half got me for christmas. Its really good.

Better picture of the inside curve. (Note the coffee cups, my wife has a path worn out over to the boat with coffee and the usual collection of numerous empty cups !!) Thanks love..

New Year

2008-01-02T19:01:00.000Z

2nd January 2008

You may have noticed the time counter on the main page. The launch date is primarilly set for May 16th 2009. thats 499 days..

New Years day managed to get a few hours to make the roof bits and make the girders for the aft roof.

Aft Cabin roof with backing strips fitted

The Boat so far.

Front Loader hired today, not cheap but the only way to lift the bits now.

Today the complete welding plant landed in the aft cabin,
it will stay onboard for the next few months as the sides are too high for it to stay on the ground.

Soon my lawns can grow grass instead of having tons of metal scattered over them.

Swim deck placed and tacked in place.

The extra bit is an extension I have specified in the cutting of the kit.
the underneath will follow the rub rail all round.
I intend to incorporate a swim ladder into it.

Inside view of the aft curved back.
Transom to go in next.

Last day of the year!

2007-12-31T17:41:00.001Z

31st December 2007

Being the last day of the year, I wanted it to go out with a bang...
A rainy day with showers and mist all day, however something big had to happen.
I managed to drag this side piece along the side of the boat and positioned the stands.

Lined up fine and sitting on the spray rail

Ready for welding in place

This next piece for the other side had to be dragged out with a truck

Then dragged forward using a pulley systen and a van!

Up it went easier with out the mud bath.

Span sets are to secure it in place till I weld it

Both sides are positioned and secured,
I will power wash them before welding as they are covered in mud.
Not bad for 1 person in the rain..
A good year end, considering it was only started November 9th.
Happy New Year!

2007-12-29T23:18:00.000Z

29th Dec 07

With the lower sides on its not possible to get into the boat other than over the transom.

During darkness, I decided to finish the stiffening of the frames, there were 5 on the port side on over the engine room, and 6 on the first 3 frames in the aft cabin.

5 frames finished

clamping up on the aft frames.

All the frames are now finished.

Boat bending....

2007-12-29T22:52:00.000Z

29th December 07

The 28th was cancelled due to extreme rain and wind, Today a small lake surrounded the boat.
We managed to raise the 4th side piece on the 27th, now to fit it.
The opposite side fitted better than this one. Looking at the initial offering up, it looked like it would never fit, too high in places and too low in others. Nothing lined up... (to other potential builders.. a word of advise... dont panic and relax, let the boat build its self. The kits are extremely accurate but on this side the boat its self wasn't the right shape to have this part fitted, its that simple. So on my own and with a lot of 5000kg span sets I went about lowering the centre of the boat by over 12mm.. as its only tack welded it will move.

Below: These parts were out of align by nearly 10 mm. I used 3 x 5ton straps to the RSJ frame and a 6 ton jack to rise the lower of the 2 bits.. and yes, the boat came into shape. its really mind over matter.

Bottom lined up, and later the top came into line,

All the straps pulling the floor of the boat to suit the side sheet. Remember the side sheet will not bend, but the boat will.

All the internal lines, markings for the frames lined up 100% inside. if you look closely, frame 10( ST10C-2) will have to come up 5-7 mm.. and once I have the next piece offered up it will..

2007-12-27T21:14:00.000Z

27th Dec 2007

Cam Update:
It seems that you have to allow the webcam page be a trusted site before the applet will load in XP.
Most who have tried this got it to work after a reboot. (we don't know why.. )!!

Today I lifted and fitted the opposite aft side piece. Same as the other side it went ok as its only 7 feet long. The next bit would be more difficult as I hadn't a hope of lifting on my own..

Enter Paul, saves the day with the necessary strength to move and place the pieces

Right hand side lining up ok.

LHS getting enticed into position by Paul

Ready for daylight welding.

Welcome Disco3.co.uk

2007-12-26T23:51:00.000Z

Big welcome to all viewers from a post Christyler, a friend of mine for 21 years.
Chris will be involved in the teching out of this boat. Can you imagine what won't be in it... won't be much!..
I would have met some of you as I was co-driver on the lakes run in February. (builder of Mr Snowy)...

As you can see I like the wetter off roading.....

Enjoy

2007-12-26T22:41:00.000Z

26th December 2007

CAM problems,
The cam is working, however some computers don't load the ActiveX thingy properly and not show the image.
We are trying to address this. It works fine on most pc's but I also have a pc that it won't work on.

Back to the boat today, decided to put in the Supports for the back of the cockpit, its mounted between frames at the rear of the first bulkhead.

All clamped level to the bulkhead

All done and the first side sheet waiting to get fitted.

Opposite side being lifted on 2 x 150KG 5mtr lighting stands.

Sorry for the wobble, ready for welding in daylight.
better pic to follow.

Christmas Day

2007-12-25T10:16:00.002Z

Lovely Day!

Great day, Santa came to the boys, however.... I still can't find the DTA 67 Engine I asked for..

Steaming Boat.

Beautiful frosty morning.

Picture of new Camera and wireless kit. 9 metres high.

Centre floor Girders fitted yesterday

Daylight Pic

Merry Christmas to all..

2007-12-24T22:20:00.001Z

24th December 2007.

Today as you can see, Chris & Paul called down and we mounted the Boatcam, its an outdoor cam with a web server built in. It also acts as an alarm as it monitors movement and sends the pictures to me by email. Rather funky piece of kit.

We also managed to fit a new antenna to my wireless so I have better coverage in the whole yard.

Earlier today I fitted the centre floor girders in the engine room.
I also got some other bits and pieces done.
Pictures to follow

HELP!!!!!!! on December 27th I need to move some heavy sheets. I need 5 people for 2 hours, please let me know if you can come.. Tea & Coffee served....

To all the many (700+hits in the last 7 weeks) people looking at this blog, I wish you all a good Christmas. Dont be shy, have a chat can I get some names for the many watching.

25 Countries that are reading this blog.

Ireland
Canada
United Kingdom
United States
Iceland
Spain
Poland
Turkey
Russian Federation
Netherlands
Czech Republic
Australia
Belgium
Lithuania
Thailand
Sweden
Austria
Portugal
Slovenia
France
Taiwan
Switzerland
Denmark
South Africa
Norway

Christmas Looms....

2007-12-22T22:49:00.000Z

22-12-07

As Christmas approaches the guys are off on holidays. This means that any heavy lifting like the side sheets is out of the question. However, I did keep lots to do for this period.
Today I managed to fit the frame stiffeners to 5 frames for the roof of the saloon (floor of flybridge)

Bending here is simply bent over the knee, scientific NO accurate YES!

After that I also managed to work late and get the 3 frames of the engine room floor fitted with their backing strip. As these are in 3 pieces each they were time consuming but not too hard.
These are finished welded and cleaned.

Fantastic workshop. Mercedes Atego 7.5 ton lorry.
Its dry, level floor and can park right beside the boat as the welder lives under covers at night.
Good working height and easy to clamp to.

Yes to those that know!! and were about to say .. the batteries are disconnected...

As such I am still hoping to get the side sheets on over the holidays. I couldn't get a front loader over the holidays, I am hoping for a load of friends to come some day.

In other news.... soon we will have live streaming courtesy of my friend Chris.
We have Cablesurf Broadband so it will be really good.
once we have it working I will put a link at the top.

2007-12-21T22:37:00.000Z

20th December 07

Work continues as the driest weather I have seen in ages.
Below a daylight pic of the transom deck. This will be also extended outside the transom another 500mm.

All engine room frame stiffeners and girders in place.

Friday Morning we managed to get all the lower spray rail in position. its only barley tacked for now.

Bow section with the last piece of the centre beam installed.
Note: some grinding and swearing was used in this process.
end result with a good fit.

2007-12-18T22:12:00.000Z

18th Dec 07

Good progress in 2 days. On monday we got the forward stringers in place. All the frames up to no 14 are now vertical and level, The top strip proved the frames are level.

Also fitted the Girder tops and stiffeners to side and bottom frames in the engine room.

Today, fitted more frame stiffeners and the front bulkhead angle stiffeners.

Aft swim platform supports in place

Better pics with some day light soon.

McGuiver goes boat building!!!!

2007-12-16T23:33:00.000Z

Sunday 16th december 07

Today, I went mad..... In my wisdom I decided FR 14 was going in whether it liked it or now.
No crane, nobody else but the boys. so the gentle art of "McGuiver" came into play.

Step 1. Load heavy Frame onto truck tail lift.

Angle it upwards and drag it onto the scaffold tower

Roll tower to bow and shove it onto the tops of the hull.

Now, this piece has to be fitted by dropping it straight down onto the centre piece to support it.

Build the above contraption form whatever is to hand. and attach a 250kg wire winch to make a crane (we use these for lifting lighting gear. )

Add a 5yr old boy to press the buttons.. explaining the dangers and how much is "a little bit" ....

Voilla... Dara does a great job.

Fitted like a glove.

Frame tops

2007-12-16T23:11:00.000Z

Sunday 16th December 07

I also managed to fit the backing strips to 4 roof tops for the forward cabins and fit them.
The frame dimensions here are critical as they make the final sizes of the sides of the boat up front. clamping and tecsioning the side frames to within 1mm of the correct dimension took some time but they are all perfect.

Front cabins roof.
Note the little slots all lining up perfect.

I'm very happy with today's progress, and once the stringers are tacked in correct places the side walls are going on over christmas.

Tomorrow (Monday) aft frame stiffeners and more roof bits.

Progress finally

2007-12-15T23:22:00.000Z

15th December 07

Well finally our busy week is nearly over, on Friday 14th, the guys managed to finish tackwelding FR 12 and F13 to the hull floor. Also the stiffeners on FR 1-3 lower sections were fitted having been sitting there for a week waiting to get fitted.

Today Saturday, I managed to finish the last big frame, No 14. (below)

Side stringers laid into approx positions. Bottom Stringers (longitudionals ) all in there correct place and level to the floor. We did have a major kink to work around on the LSH where the sheets are joined. The centre beam ahead of the last frame is also fitted to allow FR 14 to get placed.

2007-12-12T00:29:00.000Z

Update: 11th December 07

Hi, this blog has kinda grown legs lately, Firstly progress has stopped for a few days as you may have noticed but will resume once a mad 2 weeks of work rudley interrupted the boat build...
We have had really bad weather as well. I would like to extend a welcome to some people across the pond (UK) and a fellow boat builder of the same boat.
Progress is to resume on wednesday the 12th.

Silly stat time: the blog has had over 300 hits in the first month. I'm using statcounter and have viewers from 23 countries so far. You are all welcome and please use the email if you want to chat.

2007-12-05T00:40:00.000Z

5th December 2007

Major progress between showers:

Frames 9 -13 are in place and a whole lot of metal got cut for the engine room girders and all the engine room frame stiffeners.

Once again we encountered a kink in the hull, we welded a plate and applied a 5ton ratchet to help shape the boat corectly. pics to follow with daylight!.

Sheer size of hull really dominating the garden, actually a mud bath now!

In darkness 2 frames to go.!

More pics of completed bits tomorrow... that's if it doesn't rain again.

2007-12-04T00:34:00.000Z

4th Dec 2007

Progress resumes again. Horrible weather here but we are working through it.
frames 9 tru 11 are installed and the hull plating jacked to meet the proper shape.

Frame 14 ready for completion of profiles to strenghten it.

The Last frame awaits installation.

2007-12-03T23:27:00.000Z

Sunday 2nd December 2007

Gale force winds and rain... but.. managed to get lots done between showers.
cut and fitted the aft bulkhead stiffeners
Fitted the aft centre girder tops
Cut and fitted the aft floor T sections
These are only layed in for now as theres lots of work to be done underneath in the coming months.

Aft cabin floor

Monday 3rd December

We managed a 2 hour stint at the front frames and got 9,10 and 11 placed.
they are lining up fine with some floor jacking necessary to fit them to the floor.

hopefully this week will see all frames placed

2007-12-01T23:50:00.000Z

30th Nov - 1st December 2007

Not much to take a picture of at the moment.. too dark and wet.
But.. lots of bits are getting done. All the frames forward of No8 are now completed with the backing strip. Essentially all the remaining frames can go in once I get a few people together to help with the assembly.
Hopefully the weather will hold up to get more done.
I really am hoping to get the side sheets attached over the xmas hols.

Big Hi to Ray in Canada and to all, leave a message or see the new email address for people to contact directly if required.

I'd also like to hear from other Bruce Roberts builders.

Moving forward

2007-11-29T23:47:00.000Z

29th Nov 2007

The lower side stringers upto frame 8 are fitted each side

The front frames from 9 trough 15 need the backing strips fitted before we can tack them in forming the front of the boat.
today we managed to get 6 frames completed and 4 frames remain.

Backing strips welded to the inside of the frames.
there is a radius of 150mm approx.. we used the gas bottle to form it perfectly...!

Frame 13 assembled (in darkness) ready for the backing strip

Transom

2007-11-27T23:33:00.000Z

27th Nov 2007

The Transom was fitted in just a few hours, First it was tacked on the flat truck as it is in 3 pieces.

Dimensions checked and its good to go.

Lifting the transom with lighting stands allows exact positioning.
I have to say that what looked to be hard, turned out to be very easy with the stands.
They can lift 150kg each. We will probably use 3 stands to lift the hull side plating when fitting.

Transom fitted and tacked on to the floor plates and the upright supports inside.

2007-11-25T22:23:00.000Z

22 + 25th Nov 2007

Progress under way again, 6 hours on Thursday to finish the Aft cabin floor and get the frames 9 +10 in (5 more to go)

2 hours on Saturday fitting the frame tops 5-8

Forward of the engine bay stringers

Its size is really starting to show.

Today
added the aft frames 1-4 tops.

The side stringers and the frame stiffeners to be fitted next.

I also need to sort out acess to the hull from the rear as the sides will be impossible very soon.

Weather permitting , next work on tuesday, weds this week.

Boat Yards have their uses !!!!

2007-11-22T21:58:00.000Z

Ok, so you want to build a boat, in your garden, in Ireland, and it rains for a week. !!

Short of a few more welds what we have built so far nearly floated...

the result was a mud bath...

On wednesday, 22 ton of stone and a roller left us tired and a new flat DRY surface to work from. I did take pics but it was too dark for the camera.

Before

After..

2007-11-18T19:30:00.000Z

Sunday 18th Nov 07

3 hours in the cold and wet.
However all the aft lonitudionals and frames are in place and most tacked together.
The floor sheets in places need to be raised to meet the framing, This will straighten out the dip betreen the first and second support frames.

Floor level in the Aft Cabin (my cabin!!!)

Rain and darkness killed the few hours I got at it today, Hopefully I will get more done this week.

To all the viewers out there...... Your comments are welcome.
However references to " Titanic and Noah's Ark" will be noted and you will be left on the harbour.!!!!

2007-11-17T21:10:00.000Z

Saturday 17th November 2007

First day in a week to get at the boat, Unfortunatley rain threatned all morning only to folllow with torrential rain later. And it rained.....

However before the torrent. Paul called and we raced to get some ribs in and we started the aft section with longitudinals and Frame no:1

All fitting together well.

Thanks to Barry for his help too!

Fitting Centre Longitudinals

2007-11-13T23:03:00.000Z

Tuesday 13th November 07

We began the day fitting the centre (engine room) longitudinals.
As the hull was being formed we did notice a kink in the joint of the front and back plates.
But as the bow wasn't formed it is hard to know where the hull is going to lie for you.

Kinked bit in-line with vice grips

Laying down a sample piece it looked like the port side was bent at the joint and would never fit..

Edgar was called and he approved of what we proposed to do about it.

Joint separated, the floor lined up better.

We had too much metal on one of the bigger rear sheets.
We cut the Tacks and released the sheet and removed 3 mm of metal.

The end result meant that the hull is fair on both sides and the longitudinals are a perfect fit.

Rain stopped play, and as we cleared up lost power for 5 hours.
Major outage in the area.
No! it wasn't us with the welder!