Building Strong Back

Put together the Strong Back using 2x6's and 2x4's.  Andrew let me borrow his rotating laser level and I used my speed square to level out the entire length of the 2x6's.  Everything was screwed and glued, including attaching the supports to the concrete floor using construction adhesive.  This makes sure that the Strong Back does not move for the duration of the build.  The same framework will support the construction of the outer floats and the main hull.

Ordered Foam and Fiberglass

Ordered up some foam and fiberglass from Noah's Marine in Toronto.  My brother Andrew and I are both building F-22's at the same time, so we split an order of A400, A500, and A1200 foam.  We also picked up enough 12oz biaxial and double bias fiberglass and 18oz biaxial to finish the boats.  The carbon fiber and G10 tubing we need will be coming directly from Farrier Marine.

Traced & Cut Float Patterns

Traced out the full-size float patterns that Ian provides onto the 3/4 inch MDF boards using carbon paper underneath.  Then I used my circular saw and guide to cut the straight parts of the float frames and a jigsaw to cut the rounded parts.  If you have the use of a table saw outside (with MDF), this would make it easier and quicker to cut the straight parts, as they are the same on each float frame.

Cutting Form Frames

Cut all eleven form frames to final size of 22"x39".  I would normally do this with my table saw, but it was buried in the garage and this MDF is nasty stuff to cut inside.  Always try and wear a mask when cutting this material.  Although not the fastest method, I ended up using my circular saw with a guide.  Luckily I have a covered patio right outside the back door of my garage, which is perfect for dusty projects.  By the way, it's not normally this warm at the end of October in Seattle!

Picked up Form Frame and Strong Back Materials

Decided on 3/4 inch MDF for my form frames and 2x6 and 2x4 for the Strong Back.  Picked up at Dunn Lumber.  These MDF sheets are really heavy, so I had Dunn cut them into quarter sheets at 24"x48".  Ian recommends a height of 22" for the form frames, but for taller builders, keeping them around 24" isn't a bad idea.

Ordered Plans

Ordered up the F-22 plans from Ian Farrier in New Zealand.  I am Sail #58.

 

Basic Dimensions:

L.O.A.................................22' 10"

B.O.A.................................18' 1"

Folded beam.......................8' 2 1/2"

App. bare weight.................1300 - 1500lbs

Float Displacement.............3056lbs

Sail area (main & jib)..........294sq.ft

Mast Height........................31'

Draft (board up)..................12"

Draft (board down)..............4' 11"

Interior Headroom...............5'2"

Main cabin width.................7' 3"

Height on trailer..................8'9"

As you can see from the above dimensions, the F-22 is a trailerable trimaran.  It is designed to be built diagonally in a double garage, which means I can work on it at my leisure without having to travel to an outside workshop.  Further information can be obtained at the Farrier Marine website (see links).