Building the Turret

The streamline shape of the catamaran turret does in itself provide a challenge or two to the initiated such as ourselves, twisting plywood both horizontally and vertically out of a single sheet cannot be done.

We found this in the cutting of the sides for the turret, arching over the deck and then also peeling inward from the forward top sections inward.

Next came the securing of the 6mm play to form the underside of the turret roof. Before this could be done, four lengths of raw garden edging (5m in length and 19mm x 200mm) were purchased to be used as the frame on which the turret would finally be built.

These lengths were all cut at the same arc as the top of Frame 7, to form the final arc of the turret roof. These were then braced in place by strong pieces of vertical timber to the lower bridgedeck. Having four frames now in place allowed for the construction to start.

 

The intension with our construction was to extend the turret roof to the rear of the yacht to provide for additional shelter. As this is not part of the plans, we built blind and reinforced some of the turret stringers with 68mm x 19mm (as opposed to the 42mm x 19mm from the plans).

To provide additional support, two solid 68mm x 42mm sections of timber were glued and screwed vertically against frame 9 (at the back of the boat). As will be seen later, the strength here would be twofold, being also used in strengthening the davits.

A serious approach had now to be taken toward our electrical requirements, because the wiring (as well as the base for securing) had to be installed for the solar panels before the turret top could be completed.

How many panels?

How many Watts per panel?

What sort of ‘Smart Charger’ would we buy?

What is a ‘Smart Charger’ and where does it have to go?

This is discussed in detail on the CD information with many charts and planning tools.

Armed with our new found electrical information and cabling installed, it was onto the top panels and what a joy. The extended roof structure had worked extremely well and appeared to be the envy of a few builders.

Careful consideration was needed with the cockpit entry step area, as cut-outs would be needed to accommodate the extension, or its your head.

Then it was onto the forward windows. This also presented a challenge or two, successfully manoeuvred. The CD has some great ideas here, especially considering that these windows are normally home-made and always leak. One has been known to build the centre forward window to find that once the mast was installed, the window could not be opened...just a tip.