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I’m almost there with the rough interior install. The engine frame, main bulkhead curve, battery box, electrics and pan cupboard fronts and chart table carcass are all ready to be bonded in. Unfortunately I am still waiting for the gimbaling stove to become available (hopefully Jan) and will leave the galley as it is until that can be fitted.

The engine frame features ‘wings’ either side of the companionway and a removable casing for the engine.

The chart table carcass features a mount for a metal-working vice, drawers for the sextant and station pointer, four other general storage drawers, and a housing for a seat which will slide out of it and sit against the galley on the other side, allowing one to sit facing the chart table or galley.

Whilst I am nearly done for now, there will be more woodwork at a later date. There will be oiled Sapele trim along the length of the berths, on the edges of all the bulkheads and along the perimeter of the chart table and galley as well as more storage units on the bulkheads. I also need to cut and fit the cabin sole and bilge covers.

I was hoping to integrate my toolbox into a storage unit amidships on the port side, but it wouldn’t fit. Back to the drawing board.

The redesigned area is a storage cupboard made up of lockers of different heights, filled to the brim with a selection of plastic boxes – corresponding to the heights of the shelves. It also features a thin shelf for sailing charts. The unit will have hinged fronts facing all the shelves, but they can’t be fitted until everything is screwed/glued.

The hanging locker has also been completed, and looks great!

I’m currently working on the ‘engine casing’ – the removable panels that sit in front and above the engine. I’m also fitting some thick ply panels to either side of the companionway which I hope to wedge myself into when it gets rolly!

I’m hoping that with a bit of a push, I’ll have the engine casing, the galley and the chart table carcasses finished, in time to bond the whole interior in by Christmas!

I had hoped to paint, oil and insulate by the new year, but I’d be surprised if I get that far.

The seat backs are finished at last! I was determined to make the most of the space for storage behind them, as well as having a comfortable seating angle, so I had to go with my own design. The structure comprised two different-angled panels: one to support the seat back cushions, and a vertical panel above, behind which would be storage. I then templated, cut out and fit twelve dividers to split the lockers up. It came out alright!

I also fitted the under-berth lockers with latches, to keep everything in them from pouring out if the boat went over!

I’ll be moving onto the midships sections today; the hanging locker, port storage area, then subsequently the galley and chart table.