Boat in build pics (Squadron 78)

Very impressive boat, I hope they don't forget they have stab shaft sticking out.

I also hope that the grubby trap they've used doesn't screw up your teak hand rails, I hope they covered them first.
 
Jeeez! That's some journey on a mother of a truck! Looks massive on there, wish I knew before cos I would have made the trip to see it for myself on the road. Do they move all their boats like this, have they ever thought of moving the yard to a coast location?

Any idea when your slot is for Excel? Will you be aboard as she comes in?

Yup it's quite a truck. I reckon yours will be on it for a short stroll, becuase Abbey use it to move the big boats from the travelhoist at Docklands into the exhibition hall

It would be great if Fairline had a coastal location but the capex in today's market is a big hurdle. And finding or relocating 100 guys who can actually make the boats is tricky - it's not like you'll find them in any job centre... So yes they move them all on trucks for now. It's easy for the smaller stuff but the 78 is on the limit

Yes I hope to do the trip round to Excel but I'm not sure yet. I'll certainly be inside the exhibition prior to opening, to install/deliver some things eg my aft deck furniture which is currently being made. Maybe see you then if you will be doing likewise? Otherwise see you 7th Jan
 
It would be great if Fairline had a coastal location but the capex in today's market is a big hurdle. And finding or relocating 100 guys who can actually make the boats is tricky - it's not like you'll find them in any job centre... So yes they move them all on trucks for now. It's easy for the smaller stuff but the 78 is on the limit

Yup, the Oundle location does limit further expansion into the 80ft+ market. Fairline must be frustrated about seeing Princess and SS move into this market knowing that the Fairline brand is credible enough also to move upmarket. If building a coastside factory to manufacture bigger boats is prohibitive in the current economic climate, is not the answer to have the larger boats built under licence by another manufacturer elsewhere?
 
Pictures on the lorry remind me of my time organising transport for masts from Burnham to Foxes at Ipswich, obviously weight, height and width were not problems but length was!
 
Here’s another quick update, and I suppose we're getting to the end now. The boat made it to Ipswich on time last week despite the snow and was put inside Fairline’s huge shed there. I say “shed" but actually it’s a very smart facility that takes two boats inside (there was a Sq65 alongside mine) and even the travelhoist goes in there
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Hull was nice and shiny
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Below is a general shot of the saloon. Everything is covered in protective material but the saloon carpet is white in a looped pile that looks like a plate of spaghetti and the raised part of the floor (galley/dining) is dark wood
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Below is the galley and inside dining area, and that staircase. I’m really pleased with how this has turned out; Fairline did a fantastic job here. (Banister is not yet bolted on but will be). The 4th of this cluster of pics is a close up of the stair treads, made in Wenge wood with gloss finish but non slip on the top. Really really nice job all this. I know many observers will think the boat is better without these stairs and each to their own on that – I’m in the camp that says they are essential! But given that I asked for them, Fairline have done a great job in making them and it’s a great testament to their ability to do one-off customising. Huge thanks from me to the Fairline team for all the care and thought that went into this part of the project
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Here is the lower helm with non-standard seats, and starboard side door which they made in black gelcoat
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This next shot is of the stairs down to the accommodation deck, a bit covered in protective material but looking very nice with the LED lighting
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Next 3 pics are master cabin and bathroom. Again, really nice stuff here
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And this is the access to the starboard stab, in the master bathroom. You slide out one of the bathroom cabinets for a quick look see, as in this pic, and the rest of the cabinets (carcasses as well as doors) come out easily if you want more access
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Twin cabin port side, with sliding bed so converts to double, and its ensuite shower room
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Finally, here is the engine room door for MapisM, and also a view from ER looking aft to crew cabin/utility, and transom door
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The plan is that the boat will be launched today, or may already have been, having been built up in Fairline’s shed over the weekend. It’s going to have a “dummy” radar tower on for LIBS because the proper one is too tall due to the extra nav gear and lights specced, and the real radar tower will be fitted after LIBS, back in Ipswich. It’s gping from Ipswich to LIBS on (I think) 18 Dec
 
mmmmm very nice!

seriously, that galley looks nicer that my kitchen!!!

looking great! maybe able to get to London on the press day now so will try and look her over if possible?

Congratulations and dont forget that offer when the time comes!
 
Hi JFM,

It's been a great privilege for me (and everyone else I'm sure) to watch the build of your fabulous boat from the hull upwards - what a great insight. It (she now?) looks absolutely amazing and I wish you great times on her.

To see (and photograph) all of the tech stuff that finally gets hidden beneath panels etc gives you such an advantage… also love the cable pull-throughs you’ve got installed (wish I had some of them – would have saved me hours!).

You give so much to this forum – ‘what goes around comes around’ and I'm sure this ship will give you great reward.

My hat’s off to Fairline too.

:)
 
I totally agree with EME, those stairs in the flesh look fantastic and so much better than on the CAD drawings.

Loved the black helm seats. Driving her from downstairs will be a real Millennium Falcon type of experience. In fact, if it were me you'd need some serious evidence of the OB quotient to get me to give up that driving position for the f/b.
 
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Wow - really delighted for you jfm she looks magnificent.

I agree the galley stairs are a work of art - very brave I thought but its works very well indeed.

Many Congrats to you and indeed Fairline. Even the timing has been up to snuff which is a surprise with all the extra stuff the fussy owner wanted changing....
 
Below is the galley and inside dining area, and that staircase. I’m really pleased with how this has turned out; Fairline did a fantastic job here. (Banister is not yet bolted on but will be). The 4th of this cluster of pics is a close up of the stair treads, made in Wenge wood with gloss finish but non slip on the top. Really really nice job all this. I know many observers will think the boat is better without these stairs and each to their own on that – I’m in the camp that says they are essential! But given that I asked for them, Fairline have done a great job in making them and it’s a great testament to their ability to do one-off customising. Huge thanks from me to the Fairline team for all the care and thought that went into this part of the project
18 Dec

I'm with you 100% on the internal stairs especially on a boat this big. The galley and stair design integrate really well, better than I thought actually. In fact the whole interior style is fab. I love that contrast of dark and light woods.
Maybe this has been discussed before but I cant remember. I guess you gave some thought to the anchoring system. Were you given the option of a 2-anchor set up? Did you specifically choose the Delta and did you upgrade the anchor/chain size over standard?
General question. I guess Fairline have learnt a hell of a lot from working with you to design and build this boat. What do you think they've learnt and will they be able to transfer some of that knowledge to their standard production boats?
 
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