All posts by boatman

10.85 Meter Dive/Fishing Cat Week 3

Now into week #3 and the hull plating is being fitted. We can now clearly see the asymmetric hull shape as the 6 mm bottom plate and 5 mm side plating is tacked into place. Engine girders have been fitted and fully welded. With the twin 286 Steyr engines and Q-SPD surface drives this boat should achieve 35 knots top speed. [click the links for more information on engines and drives].

6mm bottom plate fitted to the compound curve forward
6mm bottom plate fitted to the compound curve forward
Fitting stiffeners to control any distortion due to weld heat
Fitting stiffeners to control any distortion due to weld heat
aluminum sport cat
Fitting stiffeners to control any distortion due to weld heat
aluminum catamaranThailand
View from aft

Thailand boat builder aluminum catamaran

10.85 Meter Fish/Dive Charter Catamaran

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.

aluminium charter catamaran building jig
Setting up the building jig
alloy catamarans
Setting the keels on to the jig.
charter catamaran new build
Installing bulkheads and frames
Buddist monk marking the boat with gold paint and gold leaf
Buddist monk marking the boat with gold paint and gold leaf
Monk blessing with ritual water and Buddist prayers
Monk blessing with ritual water and Buddist prayers
Fireworks going off with a bang.
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!

Monohull for Interisland Passenger and Cargo Use

This 30′ monohull came as a hull only design from Specmar Design USA and we built the superstructure from scratch, no plan or cut parts. The brief was for a vessel to handle passengers or loads of copra so the aft cover is removable and breaks down into single parts which can be easily stored in the shelves built into the hull sides.

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A full walk-around cabin was required so to maximize cabin space and keep passengers and odors outside it was decided to move the toilet/shower outside the cabin. With the back cover frames installed and the cover on them the toilet will be less noticeable.aluminum monohull constructionThis boat is powered by a 6 cylinder 315 HP Yanmar diesel and Bravo II X stern drive.alloy boat buildingboat toilet constructionaluminum superstructure construction

11 Meter Catamaran for Pumpkin Island

This project has suffered some delays, however, completion date is getting nearer and we will shortly start to build the shipping cradle. The hull and superstructure has been rotary buffed as the boat is not being painted. Many small practicable additions have been made to the base design for ease of servicing in the future and we think the boat looks great!DSCN8825

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Pumpkin Island Ferry Construction – Week 13

All fabrication apart from handrails and a few small jobs is now complete and full welding of superstructure will be finished next week. The bow ramp, side door, stairs to upper deck and deck hatches fit well with the look and purpose of this vessel.

aluminum ferry
View with bow ramp closed
alloy boat
Bow ramp shown in open position
Starboard side view
Starboard side view
Side door in open position
Side door in open position
View of port side forward seat and deck
View of port side forward seat and deck
Deck hatches allow storage for empty scuba tanks
Deck hatches allow storage for empty scuba tanks
aluminum catamaran construction
Stairs to the upper deck