Setting up form frames

The first task in building this masterpiece of sailing perfection is to construct the form frames for the floats.  Here you can see the forms set up precisely spaced as specified in the plans.  In the first photo we are just starting to add the battens that define the final form of the float hulls. 

Around this same time as this photo we were also preparing "The Big Order," which includes all the raw materials for constructing the trimaran.  It is amazing how long it takes to spec and select the materials, in spite of the detailed materials list provided with the plans.  We purchased most of our supplies from Noah's Marine, and I highly recommend them for their good pricing, great advice, and willingness to work with me to ensure we got the best deal they could offer.  We also used Fiberglass Supply to fill in a few items, and they also offered good pricing and selection.

In this second photo, taken a few days ago and a few weeks after the previous photo, you can see the completed battens installation.  It didn't take that long to install the battens,I just didn't get around to taking the pictures until last weekend.  All in all, I think we spent about 3-4 days on the forms and battens. In the intervening time, we worked on other tools and accessories we are going to need on this project, as well as waited for delivery of the pallets of supplies.  More on this in our next post.