Connemara Catamarans

Model:
Before proceeding with the construction decided to make a 10:1 scale model to help work out the modified cockpit area and interior layout. I wanted to be able to work on the interior as well as the exterior and the easiest way to make the hulls was to strip plank them (had built a number of boats by this method before). A set of male moulds were set up on a plank, their shape being taken from the sizes given in the plans. Over these I planked 4mm x 20mm cedar strips simply glued together with wood glue. After the two hulls were finished sanded them clean, made the appropriate cut outs for the bridge deck and mounted a stand. The rest of the hull was built from scraps of 4-6mm Gaboon ply that I had lying around - the Gaboon was good to work with as it is relatively soft. Some of the more curved shapes needed planing down to about 2-3mm before they would bend to shape. Most parts were taken from the measurements in the plans, for some of the more curved shapes it was easier to scan the plans into the PC and enlarge them. Finished the model with the Port side closed and the Starboard open to work on the interior.
The first thing that has become obvious is that a few changes to the hull shape means just about every panel in the boat gets changed too ! Because the bridge deck floor is being raised the roof needs raised too, causing all bulkheads and hull/cabin sides to be higher. Fortunately our extra hull length means this can be accommodated without making her look boxy . We are making an enclosed cockpit (seating all the way around) for safety sake, requiring an extra three steps on the transom, again the extra hull length worked for this.

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Design
Model
Workshop and Table
Infusion
Assembling Hulls
Hull Bulkheads
Bridgedeck Floor
Superstructure
Completing shell
Interior
Cost and Time Estimates
Suppliers
LInks

Update model 2005.
We are looking towards a rig with a taller than standard mast and a screecher and came to the conclusion that a crossbeam would allow us to tension up the foresails more.