15.1m Luxury Long Range CruiserDesign Concept ODERN is specified as a luxury long-range cruiser, designed and built by Norman R Wright & Sons, Queensland, for unlimited cruising with the appropriate sea-keeping maneuverability and general handling characteristics for a private-use vessel. The aim was to design a vessel with the helm as far aft as possible, to allow for the most comfortable ride at sea. Likewise, the vertical height was kept to a minimum so the centre of gravity was as low as possible, maximising the stability of the vessel and also the ride comfort. Construction The structural integrity of the vessel was of prime importance over other design aspects. Hull construction is timber-cored composite. Hoop pine planks were strip planked over a temporary jig of computer cut frames, and edge-glued with WEST SYSTEM brand epoxy mixed with a low density powder modifier. The inside and outside of the hull was laminated with multiaxial E-fibreglass and ATL's high performance KINETIX R246TX laminating resin and H160 Medium hardener. The remainder of the vessel is marine plywood, with all external surfaces sheathed with E-fibreglass and laminated with WEST SYSTEM. WEST SYSTEM brand epoxy and modifiers, and Techniglue-CA were used for all structural bonding, filleting and fairing applications on ODERN. ODERN's interior features a combination of carpet and teak & holly timber flooring, hand-crafted timber furniture, with a combination of timber wall paneling and painted walls. The aft deck is finished in teak and being the only external timber-work, minimises maintenance. As well as state of the art navigational equipment, ODERN is fitted out with washer/dryer, flat screen televisions, and the latest in stereo equipment to ensure comfortable long range cruising. ODERN's hull form is full displacement and of carvel section throughout her length. The hull was tank tested at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, and performance was impressive, ensuring a sea-worthy and efficient vessel, with excellent fuel economy. ODERN is driven with a single Perkins Sabre M185C for long range reliability, and the engine room has been fitted with an extraction system to obtain the engine's full power potential. All systems on the boat were installed to handle the rigours of ocean crossings. |