Partition First-Fit Complete

The first-fit of the partitions was completed by midday when the starboard half of the bathroom partitions were scribed, cut to shape and fitted.

Last of the partitions on the left

The current passageway is narrower than the final version.  This has been deliberately done to allow for any necessary scribing and cutting back of the partitions against the side of the shell.  Richard is taking great care to ensure the edges of the partitions butt up against the wall lining without leaving any gaps; no matter how small.  Actually it wouldn’t matter if there were any gaps as each partition will have a 15mm oak beading trim around it to secure it.  But Richard keeps saying “I don’t want another joiner to pull the trim off in 20 years time and think I did a poor job!”

The second-fit of the partitions involved removing each section and taking it back to the workshop where the the passageway edge of the partition is cut back making sure it’s vertical.  Then the edge is capped with a 1” oak trim.  Final scribing and cutting is completed and any holes are then filled and the partition gets sanded.  By cutting back the edges of the opposing partitions the correct passageway width is achieved.

Oak trim on the face of the 1” thick Latvian Birch plywood 

Finally, the partition is taken back to Waiouru where it is again check and plumbed before being secured in place with small softwood blocks.

These small blocks will secure the partitions throughout the build and will only be removed when the final trim is fitted to the boat.  This will be one of the last jobs.

The rear partition is now complete.

After fitting the partition we immediately noticed the passageway opening was much wider.  A start has now been made completing the second-fit on the partition between the saloon and the toilet.  Rather than complete the second-fit and then remove the partition to laminate the toilet side we have decided to formica the partitions during the second-fit.  This will reduce the number of times we have to remove and replace the heavy sections of plywood.

Later in the afternoon the hospital silencer was delivered.  I was very surprised by its size.  I’m used to seeing automobile mufflers and wasn’t expecting the silencer to be 5 times the size!  No wonder Andy’s brain is working overtime planning how to fit everything into the engine compartment!