First layers of top coats applied. Windows checked
for fit. Work now forges ahead on the interior and (off-stage)
on things like external doors, hatches and moulds for 'wheel-house'
roof panels.
Most interesting
stage in the build process
Testing the basic shell for the Australian market.
The Build Process
Pre-fabricated epoxy composite panels for the hull
being assembled in a custom-made jig and bonded together using
glass-reinforced epoxy tape.
Pre-fabricated foam-cored epoxy composite bulkheads
in position.
Topsides and side-decks coming together. In case you
were wondering, the pale blue is just the background colour and
will eventually be rubbed down and re-painted in the colours
of your choice.
Forward cabin sides and roof in position. Aft cabin
sides also taking shape.
Seen from the other side.
Making progress with aft roof and cabin.
Shell out of mould and lifted ready for turning
Starting the turn
Halfway over
Nearly over
The hull has been turned upside down so that we can
fix a full-length skeg to the box keel and add external glass/epoxy
reinforcing to the chines.
It's probably worth pointing out that there can't
be many boats that are light enough, strong enough and stiff
enough to be turned over like this - on a 'spit'.
Skeg bonded and glassed to underside of box-keel.
Chine and keel joins reinforced externally for extra strength
and abrasion resistance, then radiused, Keel and hull bottom
receiving first of two heavy coats of epoxy.pitch.
Starting to turn the hull back the right way up
Halfway there
Nearly there
Made it!
The BV 825 now sports a hefty stem post and the topsides
get their first coat of epoxy primer.
Amazing what a difference a lick of paint and a few
windows make.
