Todd and Steve are sitting in a very warm Charleston, South Carolina wrapping up details on the FPB 112 and it is hard to relate to these winter photos from New Zealand. As you will see, FPB 64 five and six are rapidly taking form. These photos cover the first two weeks in June.

The very sophisticated shape of the stern is not an easy shape to do in metal, let alone 12mm thick plate.

Inside the engine room, looking aft. Note the thickening plates on the transom for attachment of various exhausts.

Midships fuel tanks. Baffling prevents movement of fuel which would otherwise degrade stability and comfort, not to mention being noisy.

Stabilizer insert. Strong, within what will become a watertight compartment.

Looking here into the forward water tank. The X strapping is temporary (for stability during welding).

Getting the FPB look at this stage.

The combination of two bottom plates of 12mm with a 40mm stembar makes for a stout pointy end, over two inches thick.

A beautifully fair hull. It  would be a shame to paint it.

Speaking of fair, these weld seam temporary alignment bars help to maintain shape during welding.

Deck assembly jig. Deck frames are tacked in place and the deck plate with stiffeners is being dropped into position.

Last photo of FPB 64-5, with decking starting to go on.

Now FPB 64-6, with the assembly layout being marked up on the floor of the build shed.

A  bulkhead being assembled for #6.

The centerline girder forms the backbone of the framing system.

A few days later and the floors and girders are starting to be positioned.