The custom build continues; A photo update.

[Wireman]

Beautiful work.

[captainviv]

very nice varnish job ... what varnish is being used ? and is it brushed on or being sprayed ?

[Nauti Natured]

very nice varnish job ... what varnish is being used ? and is it brushed on or being sprayed ?

Was wondering the same thing ... must be brushed because of the lack of masking but it looks so good it looks sprayed. Absolutely gorgeous.

[SteveK]

Hi Mike!

Just a quick thought. I was fishing for tautog yesterday when a Cabo 45 pulled up in back of us and with a push of the button, he dropped his anchor perfectly giving him a nice location on some humps. I thought of you and the beautiful bowsprit, and I'm just concerned on the anchor chain marring that beautiful finish. I can see that there will be stainless steel in the insert area holding the anchor, but what about that short distance between the anchor and the winch? Hopefully, you've already addressed it, but damn, I'd hate to see that messed up on the first drop of the anchor!

Also was the piano hinge stronger for the bait freezer cover rather than individual hinges? Just curious.......

SteveK

[Fortunate One]

The varnish is Epifanes and it's being applied by a pro with a badger hair brush.

Steve, Dave and I have thought about the same thing with regard to the anchor chain. You are correct, there is a stainless steel roller assembly that will protect the forward end. We are installing an additional chain grab mechanisum up there, but until that's installed we can't fabricate the stainless steel chain guide.

The continuous hinge sits proud of the cabinate to hold Corian top in place. If you recall the bait freezer top also doubles as a fish cleaning station. So the piano hinge serves a dual purpose.

[iguana1]

Took a ride on a downeast in the caribbean that had one of your motors in it last week. Very nice sound, very smooth, very fast. Also spoke with a diesel mechanic who had nothing but great things to say about that motor.

Boat looks very nice. Are you going to run it by xmas?

[Fortunate One]

Iguana,

As much as I'd like to get her sea trialed, I don't think we want to start the clock ticking on the engine warranties as she sits on the hard the rest of the winter.

[SteveK]

Mike,

Should have known that you had all those things already planned. Iguana, what was the build of downeast hull and length that took that size engine? I've seen these two bad boys up close, and the engine is quite tall, taller than say the straight six Yanmar blocks. Either they set it even lower than normal in the stringers and bilge or they had to have a higher than normal deck for the salon. I was particularly wondering about how to fit that size engine in a 38 ft DE hull. The power to weight ratio would be outstanding, giving a fast cruize speed while also being efficient.

[triniswordfish]

we have run the 8sy's for over a 1000hrs in a 53 hatteras with no problems down here in trinidad have nothing but great things to say about those engines
what island was the down east in/at?

[Fortunate One]

It's Thanksgiving and with nothing but time on my hands this morning, I took a ride to get a coffee, a newspaper and I decided to head over to the shed too see what's been going on.

It seems like I'm posting pictures every other day. But even though the crew size has shrunk considerably a lot of stuff is getting installed so as you can imagine it's pretty exciting.

And I continue to update my photo archive.

It looks like JJ knocked back the last round of varnish in the cabin and he's already taped off areas to apply more. It should be nice and shinny again by Saturday.

The other thing I noticed is John sprayed another coat of interior paint in the main cabin and in the head. It looks like the only area left to be painted is the day berth.

And it appears Margery has installed the under bunk draws and another door frame in the day berth area.

I know some of these pictures seem repetitive but to those aficionados of boat building I'm sure the added coats of paint and layers of varnish as well as descriptions of the progress are interesting.












The side cleats are installed.

You wouldn't believe the backing plates and tie in to the structure that was done to mount these beasts.

I love Vetus parts and pieces.





We put a concealed quick connect below the bait freezer cabinet that can be used for to keep the bait prep area clean without having to drag a hose across from the starboard side under gunnel connection.

This connection will double for the feed for the removable on deck live well.

I think we've thought of almost everything to make this one sweet fishing machine.



I can't recall if I ever posted pictures of the pocketed door leading into the cabin so here it is.

I pealed back the protection film to get this picture.

The door is held open by a 15lb concealed magnet. It slides out of the pocket by grabbing the recessed handle and sliding it out. It locks with a hook bolt.







The chart table on the port side seems to be missing something.

This photo is a picture of the Sapele Mahogany frame that will house Solex green tinted glass to cover the chart holder.



Those with attention to detail will see that the storage locker on the port side of the cabin stair has the mahogany frame installed and the front of the dodger also has a piece of mahogany installed so there's a positive place to grab if needed to provide support as you enter the cabin.



Since there is so much electrical work taking place lately I decided to get some pictures.

The first picture is a shot of the area behind the generator. Check out all of the stuff behind there.

The generator is pulled out so the work could be done. It will be slid back and locked in place once the final electrical connections are in place.



Speaking of electrical work, here's a shot of the port side battery box cables sitting on the battery boxes.

Note how the boxes are low in the hull.

A lot of thought was given to obtaining the proper balance by paying attention to the center of gravity.

So that thought process went all the way to the battery boxes.



Theses electricians are so through that every crimp connection has shrink wrap installed on it.

Its little things like this that doesn't take muck time, but makes for a better job.

This is a photo of the AC breaker taken from the alternators, which was shown in the previous pictorial update.



One condenser has found its home.



This photo was taken of the lazarette. Check out all of the clamps.



The boat has been left in an uncluttered state so everyone knows to take extra care to keep the finishes looking new.


Bill has been busy shaping and fitting the stair tread inserts which will provide traction on the treads. I believe the inserts are Sapele Mahogany but I'm not really sure.

It looked like fresh cut teak to me.



Lastly, although it's not a bright shinny day, this is a photo taken from the Newport/Pell Bridge that leads out to the Atlantic Ocean. This is the passage that she will take in order to get to the blue water many miles away.

I can't wait for that day.