Float Test

Our hull #1 got wet for the first time on Tuesday. This was a quick in and out test to verify all the calculations in the weight study.
She still sits quite high in the water but there is much to be added. When loaded, hull #1 will be quite a bit heavier than a standard boat. As you have read previously, this boat has almost all of the options available plus an additional 300 gallons of fuel. The good thing is that she sat level side to side and nearly level fore and aft.
Above is a shot of the steering pump and reservoir (upper right). This is a Kobelt system, the quality and robustness (is that a word?) that is usually found only on boats of more than twice the size of the 42. The sight gage visible on the reservoir will show the level and temperature of the steering fluid when the system is in use. The catch can at the bottom is to collect any overflow that might occur. The coiled line has a pump on it making replenishing of the steering fluid simple and "mess free".
Scott is fitting a piece in the pilothouse. I took these pictures a few days ago so there is quite a bit more progress than seen here.
Curt has installed the optional 5 blade propeller. We ordered two props to test and had them computer analyzed before we installed one. Both props met the Class S specification which is as true and well balanced as you can get. Not visible but installed is the line cutter. It is just forward of the prop on the shaft.

The boat is being prepped for hull paint. If all goes well, I should have some pictures of the painted hull over the weekend. Stay tuned!!!

Hull #2 and Judy Waldman

Judy Waldman, our representative from Fort Lauderdale, Florida came to visit us this week and she was on hand to see Hull #2 during the infusion process. Judy may be one of the most knowledgeable yacht brokers I know who handle true passagemaking yachts. It has been fun to have her finally see in person the operation we have been describing in pictures and emails. She has several clients interested in our Northwest series. Thanks for coming to see us Judy!!!
Here is a better picture of Hull #2. The owners of hull 2 will be visiting us later this week to see first hand the progress. I will post pictures and an update then.

Continued Progress

The electrical crew has been pre-cutting the wiring in preparation of wiring the boat. This is just part of what will be installed. All the wiring is color coded and tinned. The tinned wire is considerably more expensive than standard copper wire but the benefit is that in years to come the owner of a Northwest 42 should have no problems with corrosion of the wiring. It is not an ABYC requirement, but only your better quality boats are using tinned wire.
The carpenters have begun installing the cabinetry in the pilothouse. There are large drawers on either side of the helm station with opening cabinets underneath. The instrument panel is just sitting there to see how it will look.
The deck drains have been plumbed under the boat deck. Also the wiring for the deck lights has been run.
REACH FOR THE SKY..... Oh...they are just putting the liner in place. I thought I was witnessing a bank heist.
As you can see from the above picture, the carpenters have been "furring" out the walls. Depending on the wall, there will be either wood veneers, fine cloth, or leather panels being applied to the furring.
As I was leaving, the laminators were preparing the vacuum bag for the infusion of hull #2 which is supposed to occur early next week.
The finishing crew has been preparing the hull to be painted. I believe it is to occur on July 25th (or thereabouts). I am not sure if I had mentioned it previously, but the color selected for the hull is Laureen Green. Many of you may have read Bill Parlatore's article last summer in Passagemaker about interesting Awlgrip colors that can be used on boats. One example he used was his own rowing skiff which was painted Laureen Green (named after his wife Laureen). Jan and I loved the color and it really goes along with our "green" approach toward boating so with Bill's approval, we're going to paint hull #1 Laureen Green.