We’ve got a few photos (from the hundreds we get every month) to share. Assuming you have seen much of this before (or can if you go back in the archives) we’ll concentrate on a few unusual details, beginning with how to remove a prop shaft without dropping the rudder. The first two photos are of FPB64-7.

There is a removable plug in the leading edge of the rudder, and the prop shaft slides out through this hole.

Now onto FPB 64-6. When you see soft goods being fitted, you know the splash date cannot be too far off.

Moving on now to FPB 64-8, the plating for which is nearing completion.

 

Plating on FPB 64-8 is nearly finished. Just one more topside plate to go.

Meanwhile, FPB 64-7 has been moved to the fit out shed and its bay has been prepped for the start of assembly on FPB64-9,

the sub-assemblies for which are ready to drop into the building jig.

There is a new gantry crane to speed things along.

And the building shed extension is almost complete, ready for metal work to start on FPB 97-1 in the not-too-distant future.

Meanwhile, FPB 64-5 has completed sea trials, and her owners are preparing to depart for the best cruising grounds on the planet, the tropical South Pacific.