A new year is upon us and we are in catch up mode. We are a month behind in posting FPB 64 photos from the production line, so we shall endeavor to bring you up to date in one huge post.
This first series of photos is of FPB64-5, starting with a few heater installation details. The red plumbing, and manifold, distributes the flow of heated water from the Kabola boiler.
One of the MSR heater coils installed along the hull side. Note the insulated plumbing run.
Three Deere propulsion engines in the engineering shop. The closest in the photo is about to have a second alternator mounted.
And the engine sitting on its bed in the engine room.
Speaking of engines, here is a close to finished shot of the get home Yanmar diesel.
In another month, when the engine room is completed, we will show you how well this has turned out. There is minimal impact on access.
The Gori folding prop being assembled.
Shown here with the blades in the feathered (low drag) position.
Staying on topic, looking now at the skeg for the get home prop shaft.
The real penalty from the get home system is the extra drag of this wetted surface.
In the great room here, furniture is coming along nicely.
The fuel tank selection manifold.
Speaking of fuel, the filtering and transfer system is now installed.
A detail looking at the underside of the roof over the house, showing the flying bridge drain (the rectangular extrusion).
And the by now familiar Dorade vent down pipes in the forward owner’s suite.
Headliner panels installed in the forward owner’s suite.
Switching gears now to FPB 64-6.
Another look at the get home and main prop skegs. Note the bases which extend aft of the prop shaft bosses. These are to provide protection in a grounding.
Looking down here into the basement area below where the great room sits. The framework above the tank tops will form the support system for the great room cabin soles.
In the basement now, with the stabilizer coffer dam lid open. These are sealed compartments, which quiets the system, and in the event of a leak, confines it to a small area.
You are looking into the forward suite here. Note the massive topside stringers and web frame.
Finally, a couple of shots of the forepeak, here pointing forward into the chain locker (just forward of the closest bulkhead). The bulkhead at the forward end of the chain locker is also a collision bulkhead, isolating the forward section of the hull from the rest of the forepeak.
This is the aft end of the forepeak. The topside frames also provide shelves for storage and tie down points for dock lines, fenders and other rigging. The flanged pipe is for a sonar mechanism.
On to FPB 64-7, with the metalwork coming along nicely.
Since we left off inside the forepeak on #6, lets start outside the pointy end on #7.
Both the anchor roller assembly and the stem of these boats are designed for serious loads.
That enormous stem bar, reinforced with three horizontal frames, is 40mm/1.62″ thick. Add the topside plating to this, a full 25mm/one inch below and 16mm/5/8″ above, and the strength is on the order of absurd. But we can think of a number of scenarios where this might come in very handy.
As previously mentioned, the forward bulkhead of the chain locker is designed as a collision bulkhead.
A nice view of the middle to aft framing, prior to plating being tacked into place. Note the massive topside stiffeners which run from bow to stern.
Last, a look at the detailing on the transom.
OK, if you are still with us the boat bug must have you in its grip. Stay tuned, more to come.
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 4, 2012)
January 5th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Steve, All I can say is that it is very impressive. I wish I was in the league for a boat like this. Just to watch it being built is worth the cost of admission.
January 24th, 2012 at 11:20 pm
I agree, I would need to win the lottery to get something like this, but I’ve been following this for sometime and its just amazing what they have done here. All I need is 6 good numbers and they can start building it:)
January 7th, 2012 at 9:46 am
The skeg for the ‘get you home’ prop seems likely to effect the water flow onto the rudder, particularly when yawed to starboard. Do you anticipate any significant change to manoeuvring characteristics?
January 11th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Hi Tony:
Drag is a get home penalty, as is reduced maneuverability. However, the cost is deemed worthwhile by those opting for the security of the get home system. We don’t expect either to be substantial.
January 7th, 2012 at 11:36 am
Hi Steve,
Certainly is refreshing to see a boat being built correctly, without the inappropriate scantlings, improper welding schedules, and owner’s misguided demands that have hamstrung every large aluminum yacht I’ve done!
January 11th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Steve
It appears you are using different tubing and connectors for the heating system. Is this the case and if so, why the change?
Bill.
January 14th, 2012 at 10:14 am
The picture “showing the flybridge drain” is actually the drain from the area between the pickleforks (above the owner’s bunk) to the side deck. A very difficult weld and, on FPB64-2, the only leak experienced. Easily fixed once the exact location was determined by mini-remote video camera.
January 16th, 2012 at 1:46 am
Hi Bill
Good catch on the heater plumbing!
The Phase I boats were built using a rubber hose specifically designed and sold for use in marine boiler heating systems. It is proven and long lasting. Upsides are ease of installation, ease of owner service and modification, and good insulating properties with or without the additional Armaflex we choose to wrap it with. It’s primary downside is potential leaking before the rubber has the opportunity to galvanize itself to the fittings it is clamped to. When using rubber hose, it is advisable to give the boiler system a good work out within the first year of ownership, checking all connections several times during this period. It is not uncommon to find one or two leaks during this break in period, but once addressed, is very durable and long-lasting system.
As you noticed in the photo above, we have switched to a “PEX” hose system. Three years ago there were some unanswered questions on Pex reliability. However, these have been addressed and with the boats delivered in New Zealand, where the entire heater system often fails to get a serious workout, we have determined the upside of no leaks, outweighs the negative of being difficult to service by the owner in the field. They are both viable options for boiler heating systems.
From a historical perspective, prior to the second series of FPBs, all our yachts were done with the hose system.
January 14th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
Steve, I have been following your work for sometime now. FPB 64 is such a great design and its efficent. I love the long range aspect, you can go anywhere in it. The only thing I would add and I am sure you probably have to some, is solar panels so you wouldn’t even have to fire up the generator. I love this boat:)
January 16th, 2012 at 1:47 am
Howdy Mike:
There are a pair of 2″ sockets welded into the aft deck,t he intention for which is either a solar array or wind generator.
January 24th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
I should have known that was thought of. The thought that went into this is just amazing. I love this site:)
January 16th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Hi Steve,
Kudos on switching to Pex!
Could you please describe some detail on blind fastening overhead panels? Been struggling with this detail. Panels must be removed to access wiring and lighting; I love your super clean look!
Thank you,
Bill
January 23rd, 2012 at 11:59 pm
Hi Bill:
The system used on the overhead panels has been developed over many years. The specifics vary with design detail, but I will tell you that we are using the Kiwi Fast Mount System.
February 3rd, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Fabulous boats your FRBs are Steve! I’ve been following your progress since the first “unsailboat” drawings were published in Passagemaker a number of years ago. And I also had the privilege of watching you slip past Campbell River BC a few years ago. Boy were you moving, with little fuss in the water.
Anyway, to my questions.
1) Not a steering wheel to be seen – that strikes me as unnatural, so would the addition of such old time technology be allowed?
2) As a traditionalist, I prefer natural woods – teak or mahogany for example – on all interior vertical surfaces, so was wondering if that too is allowed?
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:51 pm
The FPB 64s have a back up wheel (removable) but are designed to steer with the autopilot at all times. Check with Todd (ToddR@SetSail.com) for wood choices.
February 3rd, 2012 at 3:54 pm
I meant to say FPBs of course.