“Custom boats take a long time” – Project Scalpel finally hits the water
I have been so busy finishing bits off that I simply haven’t had the time to blog.
The boat finally hit the water though, and I have to say I am super happy with the end result. Marty did an awesome job and anybody that sees these two boats will learn to appreciate that his skills are amongst the best in the business.
Our goal from the start was to design and produce two boats that would hopefully be a step ahead of the Mach 2 design. I think time will tell if the improvements prove significant enough for any performance gains, however with 9.5kg hulls, 300g external skins , Nomex cores and about double the amount of framing compared to any other production Moth, these things are super stiff yet really light. I weighed a Mach 2 hull the other day and it came in at 12.3kg with swivel cleats so we are a few kg in front there.
My boat still shares lots of good things from the Mach 2 design such as stay base and centreboard location/rake. I think Amac certainly got this right and with his boats being the benchmark out there, it would have been silly to reinvent the wheel for the sake of being different. Instead we have tried to copy bits that work well and improve on things that we consider problem areas.
Anyways, here is a few photos from this morning’s sail with Bruce. I think some more tuning is still needed before I can get closer to pace, not to mention lots of sailing needed as I am really out of practice at the moment. 600 of my hours spent on the project with little sailing in between will do that to you.
Photos unfortunately don’t do it justice as the carbon pattern has turned out perfect. Red boat this time was just not an option.
5 Comments to “Custom boats take a long time” – Project Scalpel finally hits the water
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There is plenty of red anyway!
Congratulations!
Marco
Your boat looks fantastic. I hope it goes as well as it looks. I know they have stiffened up the later Mach2s but mine (hull only with cleats) was just over 11kgs. Anyway looking forward to seeing your boat and meeting you at Belmont.
As with any Luka boat, the next big question……………………… The name is?
That is the most “well hung” boom I have ever seen. How well does that boom lever work to improve the vang leverage?
Beautiful boat!
Thank you for the kind comments. Yeah there will be more red coming too Marco. Forza Ferrari!
Not exactly sure of the name yet. I have a few in mind but can’t make a decision.
The boom vang is more triangulated with the leaver. Ie less “pushing forward action”, instead force with the 45degree angle is being applied more downwards. in theory a higher purchase system with tighter leach, however with my 24:1 I haven’t had the courage to pull it on hard yet.