Steel boat build - Almarine 1200fa

[Bouba]

A very neat job with the pipe work ?

As we have already said, this build is seriously impressive but I think what really impresses me is your ability to do what a number of ‘trades’ would do and to make a dammed good job of it!

Noting you early comment about doing it your way I am guessing that you have considered the risk of putting the wrong fluid in the wrong filler by locating them next to each other? In reality probably a low risk because you will be conscious of it every time you fill up with water or fuel and it probably says more about me that I take some comfort from the water being on the transom of our boat and the fuel fillers midships on the decks ?

I was going to say that... I think a lot of people are going to be upset that he is as good with woodwork as he is with metal ?

 

[ean_p]

So, with the firing strips fitted and the boat insulated, it was now time to line all of the ceilings with ply. Everywhere apart from the lower part of the forward section we’re lined with 8mm ply. The lower part of the forward section was lined with 18mm ply, then 8mm higher up.
All of the ply was cut to size, trimmed to fit and then glued and screwed to the firing strips with stainless steel screws. In fact, all of the fixings used throughout the boat are stainless steel.
Just after starting this phase of the build, I invested in a small good quality bandsaw which fitted through the cabin entry and stayed in the saloon area until just recently. It saved so much work and was worth its weight in gold!

Just for info - the internal finishes are all around American white oak. It’s not ultra modern - more a traditional style I would say! All of the cabinetry is American white oak and all ceilings that were being lined in the photos below, were further lined with 4mm American white oak veneered ply. The aft cabin en-suite, forward heads and galley areas are all lined with laminate to provide an easy wipe, waterproof surface throughout.

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Did you select oak finishes for a particular reason John?

 

[JOHNPEET]

A very neat job with the pipe work ?

As we have already said, this build is seriously impressive but I think what really impresses me is your ability to do what a number of ‘trades’ would do and to make a dammed good job of it!

Noting you early comment about doing it your way I am guessing that you have considered the risk of putting the wrong fluid in the wrong filler by locating them next to each other? In reality probably a low risk because you will be conscious of it every time you fill up with water or fuel and it probably says more about me that I take some comfort from the water being on the transom of our boat and the fuel fillers midships on the decks ?

The risk that you mention is very real and great care will be needed to ensure that this doesn’t happen! I did ponder over this issue a lot at the time, but I like the idea that it’s all hidden away and not an invitation for corrosion. Whether I come to regret the decision in the future - time will tell! ?

 

[Bouba]

The risk that you mention is very real and great care will be needed to ensure that this doesn’t happen! I did ponder over this issue a lot at the time, but I like the idea that it’s all hidden away and not an invitation for corrosion. Whether I come to regret the decision in the future - time will tell! ?

Well, I’m glad that Greg broached the subject first....because I was a little worried about the pumpout and drinking water being so close, the potential for cross contamination increases, especially when handling the ports pumpout facilities, which aren’t nice to go too close to...and there is a very slight chance of getting fuel on the water filler cap as well....anyhow a man as careful as you isn’t going to allow anything bad to happen...of that I’m confident ?

 

[JOHNPEET]

Did you select oak finishes for a particular reason John?

As a personal choice, it was always going to be wood finishes, as I like the sort of “traditional gentleman’s yacht “ type look - if that’s a way to describe it! Im not a big fan of the darker coloured woods such as mahogany but I do like oak! Ive been able to obtain the oak as rough sawn 7” x 1” boards and machine whatever I’ve needed from that for framing and trim. Larger flat surfaces are clad with 4mm oak veneered ply and the door panels are 6mm mdf with oak veneer on both sides (couldn’t get ply veneered both sides) All the oak came from a local builders merchant that I was able to work with on this and have been very helpful.
In terms of how the boat is finished internally is a whole collection of compromises really! It relies on what I can practically achieve given my skill levels and available tooling. Not too many flowing curves which demand additional time and additional skill to do well! I don’t have the advantage of CNC for design or manufacture - everything is bespoke and made to measure!
The only other wood that you will see, is that I’ve used Iroko for the cabin entry hatch. A choice made due to its natural oils in protecting it from rot. Although I’m also hoping that the 10 coats of Epifanes varnish help too! ?

 

[JOHNPEET]

Well, I’m glad that Greg broached the subject first....because I was a little worried about the pumpout and drinking water being so close, the potential for cross contamination increases, especially when handling the ports pumpout facilities, which aren’t nice to go too close to...and there is a very slight chance of getting fuel on the water filler cap as well....anyhow a man as careful as you isn’t going to allow anything bad to happen...of that I’m confident ?

I’ve got balance pipes on both fuel and fresh water tanks, so one option that I have to control the risk, is to use the port water fill point to fill the water tanks and the starboard fuel fill point to fill fuel tanks. The unused fill points could be labelled- do not use, but could be used if required!
We intend to use bottled water for drinking anyway!

 

[JOHNPEET]

For the next few instalments, I will cover how specific spaces were developed - starting with the galley.
Laminate on the ceilings and internal linings of the cabinets. Quite a small space to fit out which has the covering structure of one of the fresh water tanks protruding in to it. Oak face frames on the cabinets as previously described and finished with three coats of danish oil prior to final fitting. The laminate was fixed with contact adhesive. Not much else to say on this really - photos speak louder than words!

 

[JOHNPEET]

 

[JOHNPEET]

Tonight’s instalment is of the forward heads. Laminate to the ceilings and work top. Oak face frame. Jabsco electric flush WC - discharging into the holding tank only. That way there’ll be no mistakes about accidentally discharging overboard! When fitting the laminate and working with contact adhesive (Thixofix), it was often impossible to cover a bulkhead or similar in a single piece, much easier to do it in smaller pieces with carefully placed joints that could be covered later. Yes, I cheated on the oak face frames and doors etc! Not true mortice and tenon! The rails and styles are routed out with a 6mm wide, 13mm deep slot on the router table. This slot suits the oak veneered mdf. Then a 6mm thick “biscuit” simulates the tenon. As I said previously, it’s about compromises, even though I have a really good morticer in the workshop - it just takes too much time in comparison with the router and biscuit approach!

 

[Bouba]

I just want you to know that I am checking to make sure all the screw heads line up.....

 

[JOHNPEET]

Forward cabin next!
The cabin has a double vee berth with the individual berths being slightly offset to each other but with good length. There is a small hanging locker on the port side together with a storage box with hinged lid that makes up the bed head. There are storage cupboards below both berths with sliding doors. The cabin has a heater matrix fed from the wet heating system, 240v socket and USB socket.
I‘ve posted a selection of photos from the many that I’ve taken. Keeping the same style and standards as used in the areas already fitted out. In these forward areas, the initial ply lining and oak veneered ply cladding is a complete mosaic of separate pieces, the joints of which have been covered with beading. You’ll get a feel for this in a few of the photos. Again being limited with skill set, tooling and time, it’s difficult to see how else this crazy shaped area could have been finished. The panelling is all rock solid - no flex at all.

 

[JOHNPEET]

 

[Bouba]

beautiful

 

[paradave]

I continue to feel massively inadequate!! fab stuff

 

[Mr Googler]

Right…..this is too much of love in. @JOHNPEET will be boating in North Wales…..therefore he needs to get used to some stick

I shall start……what do you plan to put on that shelf? Will adhesive pads be available? ?

 

[Bouba]

Right…..this is too much of love in. @JOHNPEET will be boating in North Wales…..therefore he needs to get used to some stick

I shall start……what do you plan to put on that shelf? Will adhesive pads be available? ?

View attachment 134192

Probably a set of glassware, that he has blown himself, where the bases are at the perfect angle.....
Let’s face it, you Welsh Med fellas have now met your match...there’s some quality on the water...

 

[Mr Googler]

Probably a set of glassware, that he has blown himself, where the bases are at the perfect angle.....
Let’s face it, you Welsh Med fellas have now met your match...there’s some quality on the water...

Don’t lump me in with that bunch! They are still better than you med types though ?

I was wondering if a label was missing?

“Only for use at planing speeds”

it’ll be level then…..now that’s clever ??

 

[Fr J Hackett]

You wouldn't have a couple of hours to spare to sort a leaking diesel tank would you? Asking for a friend. ?

 

[JOHNPEET]

Right…..this is too much of love in. @JOHNPEET will be boating in North Wales…..therefore he needs to get used to some stick

I shall start……what do you plan to put on that shelf? Will adhesive pads be available? ?

View attachment 134192

The shelf is perfectly level - it’s an optical illusion due to the various angles within the boat that makes it look as if it’s not! ??

 

[JOHNPEET]

Don’t lump me in with that bunch! They are still better than you med types though ?

I was wondering if a label was missing?

“Only for use at planing speeds”

it’ll be level then…..now that’s clever ??

The shelf is actually adjustable! If I need it to be level. - I just move more weight forwards!