Rudder Shaft

Meanwhile we completed the rudder shaft

Welding the seams: INSIDE

Before stating to weld we positioned an aspiration device

Then we started welding. I had a lot of thinking on where to start, transversal or longitudinal.
On Robert instructions it said transversal according to Kasten paper on metal boat builing.
But Kasten in his paper says longitudinal first. The topside plates against the radius seams have already a perfect fit and they do not need to bend. If we weld the transversal first they might move and it would be difficult to bring them back in position. And they are in the final position now.
So longitudinal first and let's hope for the best!

Then the transversal radius

And when possible bilateral!

Ballast

While preparing for welding the ballast was delivered.

5500 kg, 5.5 tons millions of shots that were collects in driving ranges.

We shall see if we will be able to use them as they are or if we shall need to melt them.

Preparing for Welding

Tack welding is finished. Everything is in place, I hope.

Now we prepare for real welding by placing the strongbacks on the transversal seams.

We also spend some time looking for instrument needed to obtain a nice finish, like this one from 3M for going around pipes

Sheer

We had some discussion about the sheer line. There are many possibilities according to personal taste and purpose. Ar the end we choose to use the 50x5mm tube as proposed by Robert Christinger.

So this is how it looks like

 or

Side Deck

After placing the rub rail that halps to keep the shape, we went back to the deck.

The plates needed some cutting, few mm, with a "modified", by Pietro, plasma cutter.

Then we lifted the, clamped and pushed in proper position

Fine adjustment

To obtain a perfect fit

Rub Rail

The pipes were cut and the ends tapered

Placed against the sideplates parallel to the deck plates

Tacked in place

And "Voila!"

Deck: Forepeak

We decided to begin with the forepeak in positioning plates.

This is the more difficult piece: it has a double radius 1500 and 3000mm and working in that area is really difficult.

First step was to complete the deck stringers at the bow.

 From the bow, through frame A, bulkhead B.

The webframes are always very attractive!

The plate needen to be bent to the double radius

Then it was placed on the anchor locker (upside down!)

Tack welded

And welded

We then moved to the sidedeck and positioned the first one

At this point we decided that in order to avoid distortion of the side plates, it was convenient to place the rub rail. This will put some tension that will counteract the deck plates traction.

Unfourtunately in Europe there is no such thing as halfpipes. So we need to cut a 70mm 6082 pipe in half longitudinally.

We found a shop that work on aluminium windows that has a machine that we hope will do the work for us.
So we prepared the pipes.

If we look at the aluminium left we realize that there is not much there!!!!!

Cabin Sides

Now its is time for deck saloon cabin sides

The hull now begins to have a deck and cabin

Also the interior progresses