It’s been a while in between drinks. And posts.
Last weekend, we installed the cabintop roof. It was one of the last big jobs and feels like the boat is nearing completion. But is a boat ever really finished?
Here is a pic of me dragging it over in the dinghy
and boat with the supports
And we managed to put on the rear stairs
And then it was time to enjoy the sunset
We are still amazed by that it is in the water. And are spending less time working on it and more time enjoying it.
After four years of work. We have launched!
It all started when we got an early opening for transport. Insurance was organised. Motors are on. Everything was tied down, and we were ready.
It was an early rise, to see the boat leave the warehouse at 2am.
We followed it down the road, and down the highway. Even hitting 80 kms an hour at some times.
Then we had to wait for high tide. And within 15 minutes, in it went!
Next we spent an hour running the new engines. Little were we to know that one engine has a major problem. But the other one runs smooth as can be.
We made our way up the bay, to the marina. Where we enjoyed some champagne.
Where to from here? Time to get both motors operational and then it’s time to start sea trials!
After weeks of “its on” and “it’s off” … the outboard installation took a huge leap today. They, finally, got bolted on! Still some more work to do. But now, they are attached.
And here are some pics of the steering pod
Next steps are testing the motors and launch!
This update must be bereft of photos, as it is about detailed information that identifies the boat. This week, we got our HIN plate, ABP, and registration finalised.
What’s a HIN? Boats legally require a unique number to identify them, in case they are stolen.
What’s an ABP? An Australian Builders Plate provides the safety information in relation to maximum passengers, maximum luggage, and maximum horse power.
Boat registration, just like car registration, is required before we can launch.
And this week, after weeks of work, we finally have all three. That means we are legally able to launch the boat. Just a little more work is required first, such as fitting outboards and sealing up the final bits of windows.
Anti-skid: The non slip surfacing has been applied. It looks great. And covers a few mistakes.
Anti-fouling has been started. Two coats of barrier coat (not that we need it). A coat of tie in. and two coats of anti-foul.
We started with a complete sand back. It’s kinda weird to see all the different layers of glass, west system fairing, technifil, high build. It’s all there.
And then we started the first application of barrier coat.
After months, and months, and months of sanding. Thousands and thousands in labour. High build, epoxy, primer, paint, sticky tape, anti-skid, and super special extraction fans … the painter has finally finished.
Next, the anti foul goes on. Then the motors. Some final sealant on the windows. And we are ready for launch!
It’s been a while between posts as the boat has been settled into the bigger factory to be painted.
The painter has made a temporary spray booth which is bigger than Ben Hur. It’s difficult to convey the effort that’s gone in to preparation – but a few panels have their final finish and they look amazing.
The final coat of paint is expected to be finished in around two weeks.
Here is a pic of the front of the booth
And here is a pic of the setup table and fans
A photo from the side 
And a sneaky picture of the final finish of a flybridge panel.
The question that we were asked the most is “How are you going to get it out?” The boat was built into the factory. Over the Xmas break and New Years, we got it out!
First we had to take off the roller door.
Once that was off, we had to take off the front section of the factory. And wow – did we get the first view of the size of the boat.
Next, was the big move. We started with vehicle rollers
After an unsuccessful move. We managed to get a forklift to help drag it out of the factory. Slowly, very slowly, it moved
Eventually, it got out. We dragged it and pushed it onto the road. Into oncoming track. And after 30 minutes, wrestled it into position.
Finally, it was parked out the front of the factory
So we managed to walk on the cabintop roof for the first time
The boat was pushed up right next to the factory, ready for the next move
The boat was out the front for about a week, before a truck came to move it to the next factory.
Since the beginning of the built, Mum has been keeping us going with breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. But we don’t have many photos of her toiling away.
This weekend – we had Mum test out the remote control for the anchor winch.
And here is a video
And then mum and dad tested out the flybridge seat, which is resting on the forklift
We are doing lots of little jobs lately, and they take time. So we have connected up water tanks, plumbed in kitchen sinks, put the BBQ in. And it’s all complicated and difficult. Nothing matches, so we are having to constantly find ways to blend things together. Hence the lack of blog posts.
Today, we decided to fill the water tanks. Success, no leaks. But when I turned on the water pump, so found a few leaks.
Here is a pic of us listening to the tanks filling up. It’s exciting, because our lounge is our water tank.
And then we plumbed in the kitchen sink. Success, it works! Well, it all goes out the boat and onto the factory floor.
But we had less success with the pipes. We found a few deficit connections. So, out came the buckets.
Meanwhile, dad has been busy putting the upholstery in
And the BBQ is installed. Pics to follow shortly.
boatbuildingboys 