Boat building projects generally involve 3 stages in the build process, whether the build is from steel/aluminium, GPR or timber. For the purpose of this article, I refer to a steel hull boat build.
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Deciding to take the plunge and build the leisure boat you always wanted.
It's a great idea with very exciting prospects ... BUT ... be sure you fully understandwhat you're in for.
Location: Ireland
Make & Model: Bruce Roberts - Euro12 Aft Cockpit FOR SALENew build - steel hull boat. Ready for fit-out.
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All good so far and in less than 3 months, there's a wonderful looking craft emerging from the build site.
Then starts Stage 2, the Systems Engineering. |
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NOW the money starts to leave the bank account by the hour ... and the process seems to slow down.
For example, a propulsion system consisting of stern tube, drive shaft, propeller, drive block, thrust bearing, transition spline... all costly items and their installation time is slow going.
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Another example of what might seem quite simple but is costly and time consuming - installation of portholes.
The hull shape curves on both planes (horizontal & vertical) but glass portholes are flat so a frame must be fabricated and inserted into the hull to accommodate the shape. This frame work must be fabricated to suit the porthole and the hull shape; it's not an item that can be bought of the shelf. |
The list of costly items and slow installation at this - stage 2 - continues:
The project can become very intimidating at this stage, but if it's planned for, then it won't be a problem. |
Rough Guideline for Stage 1 and 2
Cost of Stage 1 x 3 = Estimated cost of Stage 2
For cost, whatever the first stage costs (which is simple enough to calculate as prices are available from designers and builders) multiply by 3, this is "approximately" what stage two will cost.
Time wise to complete stage two can take four times as long as stage one. Delivery of the parts can be slow (although advance ordering will limit time lost) and installation time is also slow to insure accuracy and quality of the installation. So finally after months of planning and execution, stage two is complete the hull gets a fresh coat of paint after the weld seems and polished areas have been blasted and cleaned. Ready for Stage 3. |
This is were your project, the boat, takes on its own character and becomes personal. For the design and installation of living space, preference is the way forward ... your preference for comfort and functionality.
Options for stage 3 You can do it yourself, if you have the skills, tools and time why not it's by far the cheapest option. However there are ship rights companies out there who specialise in fit-out of new builds and re-fit of old hulls. You decide on a budget and with their designers and skilled craftsmen the interior can be fit-out as you desire. Once the basics are installed you can always upgrade and/or renovate as the money becomes available, very much like a home. |
John J Finegan - FCW Engineering