Projects: Building an 18th century gajeta – Part 9
The finished 18th century Gajeta – or how to build a classic boat with epoxy.
As you’ll know, we’ve run a series on the build of a Gajeta at the Betina Shipyard in Croatia. In this final instalment we look back at where she started and what she became.
From 3D design to the final item:
These two images show just how closely the design was followed, mostly because nearly all of the components were CNC cut using the 3D computer design.
With advancing technology it is now possible to 3D print metal components as well.
The finished cockpit:
The coaming has been made as a vacuum-infused laminate over plywood and the engine control panel and tiller bar made from solid timber.
The deep gloss has been achieved with three coats of WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin® with 207 Special Coating Hardener, over-painted with several layers of International Perfection two-pack UV-resistant varnish. The result is pretty awesome.
The single mast has been made from solid pine, coated with WEST SYSTEM epoxy before being overcoated with two-pack gloss. It will need the hardness of the two-pack formula to resist the chafing in use. Note the rugged pulley system for the halyard and the stainless-steel rigging. The much longer (and tapered) yard can be seen taking shape in the background of the workshop.
Although based on a working boat this Gajeta is intended to be a stylish pleasure craft, so her deck furniture is also aesthetically pleasing. The 3D design called for a foredeck hatch and here is the finished result, complimented by the teak decking.
The project was all about merging materials and techniques from two different eras to make a tough but eye-catching vessel. This image shows one example. The mahogany rowlocks have been trimmed with tough nylon inserts and dressed with 316 stainless steel hole pins. As with the rest of the varnish work, the gloss comes from WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin® with 207 Fast Hardener® and several layers of UV stable varnish.
All that remains is for the team that made her to take the credit they deserve after the build of a classic boat with epoxy. Here the boat is on display at a regional boat show where she drew a great deal of attention. With boat owners wanting something a bit special nowadays this merging of crafts may offer a long– lived and attractive solution.
