The parts pile grows larger for the first FPB 78.
Shortly after the Kiwis return from their holiday break we’ll start to see these sub assemblies being fitted onto the building jig.
Meanwhile, FPB 97-1 is coming together and is now at a point where it is possible to get a feel for her shape and volume.
Of course we are prejudiced, but we do think this a lovely looking shear.
The stairs leading to the Matrix deck.
The Matrix deck from the aft starboard corner.
Looking into the great room from the main entrance door.
The framing for the great room settee.
Finally, the swim step and lockers.
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 3, 2014)
January 3rd, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Steve,
It’s great to see how these boats come together.
I was wondering how the timberwork is fixed to the aluminium frame etc. Are there lugs on the frame to which the timber work is bolted/screwed? I imagine that in some cases the timberwork is bolted/screwed directly to the aluminium frame members – for instance the cabin ceiling timber frame.
I am also wondering what the ceiling and floor panels are made of? Ditto what type of timbers are used for the interior framework?
Henry.
(Sorry for the multiple posts.)
January 3rd, 2014 at 10:42 pm
We’ll try and show a few attachment details as we go along.
January 7th, 2014 at 10:21 pm
I am not familiar with metal boats. Not a single weld has failed so far in WHorse or the 64s?
Best for 2014
Carlos
January 8th, 2014 at 10:02 pm
Weld failure? You have to be kidding, right? Of course not, Carlos!
January 9th, 2014 at 2:47 am
In case he missed it, Carlos might like to review last July’s article on weld testing (https://setsail.com/wicked-weld-testing-using-x-ray-images-to-verify-welds-on-the-fpb-97).
January 9th, 2014 at 2:28 am
I write a blokes n boats monthly column for NZ Fishing News [c 1000 words plus a coupla photos] Recently I encountered one of your FPBs in the Whangarei basin, Northland NZ. Wow! The owners didn’t want to talk – said see Circa. Circa didn’t want to talk – said see you. Decided to proceed anyway – then thought it might be nice to contact you as suggested. I have a Q: What does “FPB” stand for? …Freakin Power Boat??? PS: my wife’s name is also Linda. Whoopee Doo!! Hope your nuts haven’t frozen off [if you’re home]. Cheeese, SteveR
January 9th, 2014 at 3:41 am
No such luck Steve R – We reside in the land of global warming, make that climate change, so we are quite pleasantly warm. But just in case, I am in a place at present were the political class talks about taxing sheep gas, where the town basin is now very high end, and where two morning coffees and scrambled eggs cost the equivelent of ten meals at In and Out. Now, to the existential question “is it or is it not?”
To which it must be said “if you have to ask…” As with all things nautical we leave it to the observer to draw his or her own conclusions.
January 9th, 2014 at 2:46 am
In case he missed it, Carlos might like to review last July’s article on weld testing (https://setsail.com/wicked-weld-testing-using-x-ray-images-to-verify-welds-on-the-fpb-97).
January 14th, 2014 at 9:08 am
Hi Steve,
What grade of Al do you use? 5083/5086 or higher? Do you think using Sealium or Alustar in small boat construction makes sense since both grades are more expensive than 5083 or 5086 but more corrosion resistant and stronger for the same weight?
Nicolas
January 18th, 2014 at 1:05 am
We use 5086 and 5083 aluminum alloys. There are tradeoffs between these and the “Alustar” materials which for our projects has us favoring the 5000 seeries (cost not being one of them).