Continuing to Take Shape

 Continuing to Take Shape

Here’s the latest update, along with a few scattered photos.

The hull is really coming together now.
Most of the lower internal welds are finished, and the portholes on the starboard side have been cut out.

The “glazer” (UK window maker) has provided wooden templates for the welders to ensure a proper fit for all the windows.

Up in the bow, you can see where the batteries will lie flat, straddling the anchor winch.

The team has also begun crafting portions of the interior—specifically the early framework of the galley.

Next up will be the cabin structure… and once that goes on, it will really start looking like an Archipelago 47.

The bow thrusters have arrived (mainly to check fit), and the hydraulic tender-lift is already in the shed waiting for its moment. Several other “bits and bobs” have shown up as well, including bilge pumps and other essentials.

I continue to be stumped on what to do about a tender.  I want an electric outboard to avoid petrol on board and take advantage of our solar/batteries.  My charter guy (and my son) want it fast enough to pull grandkids on toys.

Before long, the A-40 will be joining our Nomadicat in the boat shed. The e-motors will be ordered soon and installed on both boats in the early part of 2026. Speaking of the A-40, here’s a video

of it being moved—after first knocking a hole in the boat shed in France to get it out—before being trucked to Southampton. It’s too large for the Isle of Wight ferry, so it will be floated over on its own hulls.

But first, a bit more welding is required. As Steven’s UK welder joked, “I didn’t know French welders were blind too.” A little friendly international competition.