Boat in build pics (2013 Fairline Squadron 78)

LEDs and radio interference.

As I doubt there is any other boat with All-LED lighting, I wonder how the LED people are ensuring that no radiation from the system (wiring, transformers, switchgear, etc) is going to interfere with other control technology. Any devices, such as nav systems, security, HiFi, using remote wirefree controls ?

I read that big LED installations are run off a constant current source, delivered by switched mode electronic power supplies which emit interference in the range 30 - 300Mhz.

FLIR - I am testing out some handheld security stuff shortly, short range to 400 m, recording to still and video, for animal dynamics monitoring. A UK based company but with USA kit, I think. I'll post some pics in due course.
 
Last edited:
FWIW I am having a moulded compartment inside the bow locker for a 25kg Delta that I will lift out and deploy over a custom bow roller, so I'm sort of halfway there.

Having had a 25kg Delta myself, I wouldn't want to have to lift that out too often. It is not just the weight, but doing it without clonking anything else.
 
Congratulations on laying the keel as it were JFM , do you think you will be able to achieve any more space in the engine room on Match 2 . I seem to recall that by the time you had the generators / shore power cable / hydraulic pack for the stabs and those two big Cats there was hardly room to swing a kitten on Match 1 . Looking forward to seeing all the clever engineering that goes into a boat so complex .
Hi Andy
On this size boat you'll always be lucky to swing a cat. You get more room on a trawler of course but these Cat C32 are monster big units. The alternative engines on the sq78, Man1360, are tiny in comparison. So my objective is for the engine room to be nice not have loads of spare space. TBH I found Match1 ok except the hydraulic pack for the stabs and thrusters was too big and impeded access to port side of e/room. Sleipner were in hull #1" installation mode and after Match1 they redesigned stuff for the sq78 big time and it now hangs mostly on the bulkhead thereby giving me great access to both sides of both engines. Also I am having the Cat control/instrument panels relocated from the sides of the engines (extended cables) to the forward e/room bulkhead. So I'm hoping Match2's e/room will be nice. It will be all white again, lots of internal gelcoat mouldings, bright lighting, and no checker plate on the floor (hurrah!). FWIW here are pics of match1 engine room taken just before I sold her

IMG_3925.jpg

IMG_3914.jpg

IMG_3917.jpg

IMG_3918.jpg
 
Having had a 25kg Delta myself, I wouldn't want to have to lift that out too often. It is not just the weight, but doing it without clonking anything else.
Yup agreed. I had a manually operated 25kg delta on Match1. You have to be careful! My system will take it over the guwhale edge so you only manually deploy it to/from a position flat on the flat foredeck, sort of
 
LEDs and radio interference.

As I doubt there is any other boat with All-LED lighting, I wonder how the LED people are ensuring that no radiation from the system (wiring, transformers, switchgear, etc) is going to interfere with other control technology. Any devices, such as nav systems, security, HiFi, using remote wirefree controls ?

I read that big LED installations are run off a constant current source, delivered by switched mode electronic power supplies which emit interference in the range 30 - 300Mhz.

FLIR - I am testing out some handheld security stuff shortly, short range to 400 m, recording to still and video, for animal dynamics monitoring. A UK based company but with USA kit, I think. I'll post some pics in due course.

Erk that's worrying Sarabande. Actually there are plenty of boats built last 2 years all LED, including Fairlines. The only difference with mine (compared with other mainstream boats) is the better quality of the lights/higher CRI, and Match2 will have more of them than a stnadard s78 (about 190 light fittings inside and out at last count plus maybe 500-1000 LEDs in strip lights). A couple of all LED superyachts are in service with 500++ light fittings. I'll have little radio remote controlling gear, if you exclude lighting and hifi controllers. My ZF remote docking unit is wired not wireless. The autopilot remote is the only mission critical thing that comes to mind but I dont use it much and generally in daylight hours. Will keep this in mind however, thanks
 
Satin Walnut = perfect

With quite a lot of very dark gloss wenge panels Chris and uber dark wood floors, so the walnut will actually be the light wood on this boat :D. It has been thought out at great length and I'm hoping it'll look fab when the whole thing down to the cushions and rugs is put together!

A lot of the fabrics will be from Romo's zinc collection (click on penthouse and nomad, frexample, with some purples too. "Manhattan nightclub" is the design brief :D)
 
How do they lay the hull. Is there a machine that sweeps backwards and forwards laying matting or is it a case off get loads of people in there in one hit to do the same.
The matting is cut and carried into the mould, and the resin is supplied by overhead pipes feeding rollers. All done by hand; no big machines. There is a lot of marking out and stuff that has to be done to get the frames and stringers correctly positioned,and as you can see in the pics they use jigs to locate the engine bearers. And there is a control sheet so they can count how many layers they've added and where!
 
excellent news jfm, so it will miss LIBS and be in the Med before SIBS.... oh well:(
Yup but it is earmarked for Cannes show in September 2013 so come on over! I'll try to have it on S Coast UK (prob Ocean village) for enough time for forum folks to have a tour, but as you know all that depends on handover date combined with delivery-to-Med ship timing etc
 
  • I really don't think they really have their designers squeezing their brains in the hull window shapes/arrangements. IMHO they are NOT up to par with the rest of the design, I understand that they wanted something new and if it was rounded before, hey let's get them all orthogonal, but I'm pretty sure they'll figure out somthing different within the next 4-5 yrs (ok, that will work for Match4 by then)
  • White hull and superstructure. I really liked this steel gray V40 or V52 or whatever posted a couple of months back on it's way to SOF. I also really liked the stealth gray massive Princess posted in here also a couple of months back. Any particular reason for sticking to white? And I'm not suggesting v.dark colours that would have a problem in the med sun (possibly). Yes I know the Q is rhetorical since the gelcoat is layed up already, but think about it for Match3 next year...
V.

Hi Vas. Yes you're right that this boat is an old design with latest squared windows retro-added into the hull, but not the s/structure which has older shape and too-small windows by 2012 standards. A bit barstardised design therefore tbh. Thing is, boats are a compromise - the Princess 78 windows are better for sure but its range is so pathetic I couldn't do Antibes - Mahon/Palma in a one-er, I'd have to refuel in or near Barcelona. Compromises compromises, but personally I'm ok with the slightly-old looks of the Sq78 tbh; I like it and frexample I love the step up in the gunwhale line amidships = little ship feel. And I reckon its better technical features and possibility to customise makes up for its shortcomings. But compromises compromises, remember

I like white on this size and wouldn't want a colour on this particular model, but anyway this is a 2002-made mould (made from a wooden plug, no 3-axis cutters in those days!) and I think would look too ripply in a couple of places if it had a darkish colour. I'm also very careful in choosing a spec that is stand-out on the used market (stabs, long range fuel tank, extra hull windows, careful interior and other good features that no-one can sensibly retrofit) but not of appeal to only a subset of the market, and I think a silver (say) sq78 might be a lemon on the used market. FWIW though I'm having the fly dash sprayed in awlgrip metallic silver - the dash is very custom :-)

Also Match2's spec includes deletion of the hull stripe decal. Every pic of a Sq78 you will see on the net has the curve-up side stripe on the hull but I reckon it looks better without - see below. I can change my mind on this of course - the stripe goes on last

000profile.jpg

Extrahullwindowsbowcabin.jpg
 
Last edited:
LEDs and radio interference.

As I doubt there is any other boat with All-LED lighting, I wonder how the LED people are ensuring that no radiation from the system (wiring, transformers, switchgear, etc) is going to interfere with other control technology. Any devices, such as nav systems, security, HiFi, using remote wirefree controls ?

I read that big LED installations are run off a constant current source, delivered by switched mode electronic power supplies which emit interference in the range 30 - 300Mhz.......

I converted my internal lighting to LED (30No.) buying good quality modules, I have not noticed any issues, I use a small WiFi router on the boat to communicate with the marina network which I access with my iPhone and iPad and have not noticed any problems with these, my Seatalk or NMEA systems.

Many commercial office lighting installations now use LED Luminaires, but I accept they will not have such critical electronics in close proximity, my current view (no pun intended) then is that assuming you do not buy cheap unstabilised LED sources, which I'm certain JFM will have taken advice on and avoided, I don't believe there should be any issues. It would be interesting to know if anyone else has heard of anyone experiencing problems in this regard. I'm converting my navigation lights too next visit.....

Must say I am delighted with the light level, colour rendition (I had some reservations), longevity and reduced current draw.

Also, the white caulking is growing on me, I like different.......
 
I think it would make sense to do this with a slot in the fixed part of the swim platform through which the anchor shank passes. The anchor head would be just below the platform when up, and the windlass above. All doable with careful design, but tbh I just don't want this hardware. I'd hardly use it anyway. I'll also comment in next post on the "customisation limit" for the Sq78 custom

You say you would like to keep this boat longer than the last few.
So, do you intend doing more overnights on anchor?

Having experimented this autumn with a kedge, I really think this technique shouldn't be overlooked. It really depends on what other boats are in the anchorage and what they are doing but IMO it really makes sense to point the bow into any swell.
So making provision for a stern anchor would now be high on my list of priorities.

I know this is a bit of a "raggie" thing but I would definitely make sure it would be possible to do without interfering with the operation of the hi/lo platform.
 
Hi Andy
On this size boat you'll always be lucky to swing a cat. You get more room on a trawler of course but these Cat C32 are monster big units. The alternative engines on the sq78, Man1360, are tiny in comparison. So my objective is for the engine room to be nice not have loads of spare space. TBH I found Match1 ok except the hydraulic pack for the stabs and thrusters was too big and impeded access to port side of e/room. Sleipner were in hull #1" installation mode and after Match1 they redesigned stuff for the sq78 big time and it now hangs mostly on the bulkhead thereby giving me great access to both sides of both engines. Also I am having the Cat control/instrument panels relocated from the sides of the engines (extended cables) to the forward e/room bulkhead. So I'm hoping Match2's e/room will be nice. It will be all white again, lots of internal gelcoat mouldings, bright lighting, and no checker plate on the floor (hurrah!). FWIW here are pics of match1 engine room taken just before I sold her

IMG_3925.jpg

IMG_3914.jpg

IMG_3917.jpg

IMG_3918.jpg

hi jfm..... very sorry if this is a stupid question, but why is checker plate on the engineroom floor a prob ??....does it resinate noise or similar, add weight, look horrible, drop tools under it ??? etc etc ................ just curious.. (ps. blo*dy FAB thread....MORE N QUICK !!)
 
If you really wanted a Princess 78 surely you could have specced bigger tanks or extra fuel tanks to give you the range you desired?
Are they not so accomodating as Fairline when it comes to customisation of their larger range?
 
Thanks Deleted User. I think I am owed a rosette or something from the major of Oundle :-)

I would love a 2-anchor set up like MYAG's but I was happy with Match1's set up in the end. 50kg delta and 120m of 12mm chain, all s/s, and hydraulic winch. It worked well tbh, so I'm sticking with that. Only mods are (a) one of those remotes on curly wire and (b) camera so I can see anchor exit the water and go into its resting position

I did sketch out an idea to mod the mould and redo the anchor but on this boat I hit the "customisation limit" with Fairline. They have been great, but there is a limit. Match 1 was their biggest customisation in terms of hours and since then they have done 3 boats nearly as heavily modded, but Match2 breaks all records. They got worried it would delay the later boats too much so disappointing customers in summer 2013, and also it risks busting their 2013 numbers if one or two 2013 boats got delayed to 2014, meaning they couldn't book the profit. So we agreed a customsation budget in the order of 1.5x Match1's hours, and I'm happy with that, but it meant I abandoned some ideas for some "nice to haves" which are high hours/low benefit, including creating a 2 anchor system. FWIW I am having a moulded compartment inside the bow locker for a 25kg Delta that I will lift out and deploy over a custom bow roller, so I'm sort of halfway there. I'm happy to compromise on this one a bit

Glad you like the white caulk idea. I'm becoming firmly in favour. Tender will be white caulked too!

I think the camera is a great idea. I forgot to post this story...
I was on my own on the boat one weekend and took her to villefranche for the afternoon. Lovely day so thought I would sit at anchor and read for a couple of hours. Anyway, got into the bay and anchored no problem. But realised she was swinging a bit close to another boat. Wanted to relax so picked the anchor up and made a move to another area. Put anchor down, boat starts drifting back. And keeps going. Hmmmm I think, strange, dragging, normally anchor holds first time. Never mind, I'll do it again. So I repeat the process. Find spot, edge forward drop anchor, time it to hit bottom, reverse. Bit more chain this time so it definitely does't drag. Same thing, anchor down, boat goes back...and back and back! I repeat this 4/5 times and by this stage the people on the boats near where I'm trying to anchor are looking at me like I'm some sort of lunatic.

Finally it clicked. I'm single handing so dropping the anchor from the flybridge. Maybe I should run down and have a quick check to make sure everything is working ok. Get down there, the anchor is wedged tight and won't budge! So I've been merrily dropping chain into the anchor locker and the anchor has stayed firmly on the boat. From the flybridge you can't see the anchor so I had no idea. So I pushed the anchor out and anchored next time no problem.

No wonder at all all the other boats were giving me funny looks! Trying to anchor without putting an anchor out. Top stuff!

Not sure if it was the lack of anchor OR chain on the sea bed that caused me the problem...:D

White caulking it is then!! K has a picture of that baia on her phone so will try to post later.
 
Erk that's worrying Sarabande. Actually there are plenty of boats built last 2 years all LED, including Fairlines. The only difference with mine (compared with other mainstream boats) is the better quality of the lights/higher CRI, and Match2 will have more of them than a stnadard s78 (about 190 light fittings inside and out at last count plus maybe 500-1000 LEDs in strip lights). A couple of all LED superyachts are in service with 500++ light fittings. I'll have little radio remote controlling gear, if you exclude lighting and hifi controllers. My ZF remote docking unit is wired not wireless. The autopilot remote is the only mission critical thing that comes to mind but I dont use it much and generally in daylight hours. Will keep this in mind however, thanks

Not sure you have much to worry about providing the use of properly certified drivers. I am sure the Cantalupi stuff will have been through EMC/EMI testing and the drivers suitably caged.

Though the same can't be said of often used (illegally) cheap junk drivers

You should try and push Cantalupi for 90 cri if you can with a high R value as the CRI figures can be frigged a bit to be honest. 90+ Cri is typically what you will experience out of a halogen lamp. You may notice the difference still at 85 but only if you have a side by side comparison which you won't as the boat will be all LED. But worth asking 'why' Catalupi can't supply you with 90+ CRI chips. Cantalupi could certainly ask for reels of pre-binned chips from Cree or Philips if you insisted, might put the price up a few quid though.
 
Last edited:
I agree with Deleted User above, you should be given the "Keys to the Town of Oundle"!

Will be interested to the the interior, sounds very interesting and the opposite of what I'd go for. Any ideas for the colour / feel for the exterior?
 
hi jfm..... very sorry if this is a stupid question, but why is checker plate on the engineroom floor a prob ??....does it resinate noise or similar, add weight, look horrible, drop tools under it ??? etc etc ................ just curious.. (ps. blo*dy FAB thread....MORE N QUICK !!)
Chequerplate isn't really a prob, zillions of boats have it and it is fine - I just personally don't like it. The thing I dislike is that it hurts your knees when you are working in the e/room. Also it is usually plain ali so it goes a bit chalky on the surfsce. On this boat they use a series of internal mouldings to create a white gelcoat floor (with non slip finish) and storage bins, which I really like
 
Not sure you have much to worry about providing the use of properly certified drivers. I am sure the Cantalupi stuff will have been through EMC/EMI testing and the drivers suitably caged.

Though the same can't be said of often used (illegally) cheap junk drivers

You should try and push Cantalupi for 90 cri if you can with a high R value as the CRI figures can be frigged a bit to be honest. 90+ Cri is typically what you will experience out of a halogen lamp. You may notice the difference still at 85 but only if you have a side by side comparison which you won't as the boat will be all LED. But worth asking 'why' Catalupi can't supply you with 85 CRI chips. Cantalupi could certainly ask for reels of pre-binned chips from Cree or Philips if you insisted, might put the price up a few quid though.
Thanks Wakeup (for forum readers who don't know, Wakeup is seriously knowledgeable on LED lighting and his CV includes being CEO of a listed LED light engine manufacturer). The lights on Match2 will be "cantalupi Desert CLL" (hardly worth looking up btw; Cantalupi's website aint very user friendly) and these are high quality and caged etc

It didn't occur to me to ask Cantalupi to get a special reel of higher CRI lights Wakeup. For an order of "just" 120 units I kinda assumed they wouldn't tbh. My thinking is that if I keep Match 2 for a while I'll change them all in say 2 years when 95% or whatever CRI becomes more generally avaialble. I note that 90%++ is already widely availalbe in bigger LED units intended for buildings

What is "R value" please?
 

Other threads that may be of interest

Top