August / September 2014
August saw us continue on the
interior of Fedoa. We fixed the engine
in position and installed all the tanks enabling to start connecting up all the
pipework . This had to be done while
everything was accessible, putting in the majority of the plumbing, exhaust
system, bilge pumps and pipes, fresh water system and a large amount of the
electrical wiring.
The
new generator was also fitted in the lazarette, and the necessary systems
introduced for this.
Woodwork in the interior included ply panels where structural strength is
needed, and tongue and groove panelling in the service areas such as the
galley, focastle and heads to finish off the bulkheads, as well as the douglas
fir carcassing.
In September we continued with installing pipework, with
the sanitation systems introduced, and fuel system all designed ready for
installation.
Joinery has stepped up a level now, with all the
structure now in place. We have sourced
a beautiful batch of Brazilian Mahogany from Stone's Timber in Devon, which I
went to inspect in August. This has
arrived and we have tried to get everything else completed (where possible)
before introducing the final joinery.
All the iroko sole boards are now fitted, so we have started fitting
door frames and some panelling made from the mahogany. This is, as expected, making really stunning
woodwork that is going to look absolutely right for the period of the
boat.
Other areas that have been built include the galley and the
three heads, which now just need finishing with the mahogany, and most of the
sleeping cabins. Painters are currently
coming in as we stop for the day and working through the evening, so we don't
interfere with each other's work, and things can keep progressing at a good
rate.
We are
hoping to get all the mahogany interior done over the next month or so, meaning
that we can move back out of the boat and get the deck laid while the electrician,
mechanic, painters and varnishers get things finished off down below
We have also spent some time finishing the outside of
the hull to the final shape with all the planking now faired so the skin
fittings can all be fitted through the hull where necessary. The hull can now be primed and caulked which
will greatly improve the "finished" look of the boat.
Everyone has got through a huge
amount of work, and the joinery feels like a reward after some of the tougher
jobs that have been tackled over the last few months. The team are doing a great job of staying focussed,
and are producing an interior of a very high standard.
