Project

Introduction

The construction method for this project is to manufacture each module as though it is a single entity. This can all be done on the workshop floor.This means that any fixtures such as tank-age, lighting, plumbing, wiring, machinery & electrics, to name a few can all be installed while the module is at floor level. When all the separate modules are completed they are brought together using various attachment methods as described in the plans.

Below is a 3D overview of the cat showing the different modules & how they fit together. The orange lines represent the bulkheads & internal panels.

Before construction can start there are a couple of things that need to be set up in the workshop. The first & most import is the infusion table. The table has been constructed from steel with MDF sheets for the surface.The table height is 650mm which seems to be a good compromise between being able to be used as a work table & low enough to crawl onto.The MDF used is a new product for the cabinetmaking industry (16mm board with 1.2mm high gloss laminate pressed onto the surface.A good starting size is 4 2500 * 1200 sheets to give us a table of 4.8 metres by 2.5 metres. This will allow for the construction of the majority of the boats panels. When the time comes to make the longer panels the table can be extended for the addition of more more sheets. The other item is a good vacuum pump.

A good place to start is the bulkhead panels. This is a good area to develop techniques before starting on exposed panels.

The intention is to coat all surfaces with a good quality marine polyurethane which is a much more durable surface than the traditional gelcoat. The resin to be used is infusion viscosity Vinyl-ester with an open time of 60 - 70 min.