The dive/fishing catamaran is currently having systems tested prior to launch.
Our 10.85 meter catamaran is currently having mechanical installation completed and awaiting the electrical wiring and system. Q-SPD surface drives and Steyr 286 engines have been installed. The boat also has a Fischer Panda 8000i generator, air conditioning, water maker and a WASSP marine sonar.
Q-SPD surface drive unit
Steyr 286 Marine Diesel
Windows and doors have all been fitted.
Marine windows fitted
Cabin aft view in cockpit
We are in to week 1 of this build and yesterday had the Buddhist blessing ceremony for the boat. According to local Thai tradition this will ensure a smooth build process with safety for the workers. I guess that they feel happy in their hearts after each ceremony and to date all of our alloy builds have gone relatively smoothly with no work related accidents.
This vessel will be powered by 286 HP Steyr inboard diesels coupled to Q-SPD surface drives for a top speed of over 30 knots and very economical cruising speeds. The boat will also require controlled trolling speeds as low as 3 knots and this has been taken into consideration within the mechanical installation.
Setting up the building jig
Setting the keels on to the jig.
Installing bulkheads and frames
Buddist monk marking the boat with gold paint and gold leaf
Monk blessing with ritual water and Buddist prayers
Fireworks going off with a bang.
Tradition has it that the fireworks ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The bangers are certainly powerful and loud enough!
Frame set-up was completed early in Week 3 and we now have all the tunnel and inner side plate fitted and tacked. Bottom plate outside up to the chine has also been fitted and tacked. We now await the first visit from the Australian surveyor and. assuming all is ok, will start fully welding the hulls inside and the main deck.
Last week we started construction of an 11.80M ferry to be shipped to Yeppoon in Queensland, Australia. This vessel will be powered by twin Yamaha 300HP outboards and is being built to survey. A special feature will be the forward boarding ramp and the boat will have passenger access to and seating on the upper deck.
New surveyed ferry for Pumkin Island, Queensland
Two of the catamarans are now ready for fit-out with the third vessel currently being plated. The Dive and Excursion Cats are completely welded inside with a few small sections of the exterior to be completed next week. These two boats will now have electrical and systems installation started and we will fit a set of engines to the Dive Cat for in-water testing.
Aluminum catamaran – Dive version
Dive Cat tunnel view
Excursion Cat side view
Excursion Cat aft view
Keels are now being laid for the three boats being constructed for export. We are using high quality pulse MIG welding machines imported from Japan.
The welding machines will produce output current to 400 amps but this amount of current is rarely required.
We expect to have all three sets of keels laid by the end of Saturday ready for a Bhuddist blessing ceremony on Sunday.
