L3 hull

Pictures of the new R Class Skiff L3 Hull Construction (71)

L3 3D hull renderings

Renderings of the new hull design from Dan Leech

Mould Construction - framing, planking and fairing

The framing has been CNC cut from the 3D computer model. To make the construction process easier and less error prone we're building the shell in two halves.

Mould Construction - glassed sanded and together

Mould has been glassed and sanded prior to painting. Humans included for scale.

Mould Construction - painted and sanded

Mould has been painted and sanded. Some final finishing needed before waxing.

Mould Construction - buffed and waxed

Mould has been buffed and waxed. Its now ready to build a hull.

Carbon outer skin

Lay length of carbon on mould, cut to shape. Then wet out, work out bubbles and voids. Apply peelply.

Cutting Foam and Vacuum Bagging

The hull is built up of a layer of foam between two carbon skins, commonly known as foam sandwich. The layers are glued together and allowed to cure under vacuum to ensure good adhesion.

Carbon inner skin and wing

The inner carbon skin is applied to the foam, then a layer of peelply and vacuum applied.

Hull joined together

Both halves of the hull need to be joined before framing and tanks can be added.

Rear tank and X frame

The rear tank is taking shape and the x frame and kingstrut are now in place.

Foredeck and rear tank all together

Almost ready to take out of the mould.

Out of mould, hull with wings

Almost finished. The hull has been popped out of the mould and just needs the tank seams finished, centrecase sides, some tidying up and painting.

Undercoat, prod and self tacker

The hull's been undercoated, centrecase is in, self tacker mounting ready and lots of fitting mounting points are ready.

Painted hull with foil moulds

The hull has been topcoated and and the foil moulds have finally arrived from the CNC shop.

Launch

L3 Launched in ideal conditions on Wednesday 2 November 2005.