Scout Has Holes

Mar 27th, 2021 James The Build

Another week, another update from the welding yard in Condé-sur-Noireau. It looks like this was a week of cutting holes! We have a few new photos showing the details.

Starting from the stern, we now have a gas locker (on the left of the photo) where we’ll be able to store a propane tank. We’re actually opting for an induction stove in the galley - more about the interior options in a future post! - so the propane will be mostly used for the outside barbecue grill.

In the smaller space on the right of the photo, we’re going to mount a horizontal drum containing a mooring line. This should be an efficient place to store the lines and provide quick access when docking.

Incidentally, the welded struts at the top of the photo will take a roller that we expect will mostly be used for the spare anchor - so we can anchor to stern. Is there such a word as ‘sternsprit’? If not there should be, and this is one of them.

Up in the cockpit, the helm is taking shape. The central post is where one of the wheels will be mounted and the round cut-out is where one of the large compass units will be placed. We’ll have the same setup on the port side.

The two angled cut-outs will have plates over them which can be removed if we need additional helm instruments. Currently there will be a few controls on the top of this starboard unit, but there will be an extra chartplotter installed on the outer panel at the port helm.

Further forward in the cockpit, these side spaces behind the seats will be for storing lines coming back from the clutches and front winches:

You can also see the curve of the wall which will support the hard-top dodger (alongside which is the horizontal slot for the returning lines), and if you look carefully, the markings for where the forward storage shelf will be cut.

If this is a little tricky to visualize (and it is for us!), here’s a reminder what the finished cockpit will look like:

And finally, a shot from up front, looking backwards. The blue sack is covering the hole through which the mast will be mounted. We expect the main plate going across the center of the photo to be cut soon to create the forward-facing cabin windows, and then the temporary struts and plates will be removed.

In front of that is the hatch over the windlass and the drop to the anchor chain locker. The weight of the chain will be deep down in the centre of the boat, making her more stable in rough seas. The two small hatches to each side will provide ventilation to the master cabin passageway and en-suite.

We’re told the metalwork will be complete in just a week or two, so stay tuned for the final welding yard photos very soon!

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