Trystan Grace, Kraken’s Creative and Sales Director, looks on…
Many boat buyers may understand the processes behind the build of a yacht, but few ever get to see the embryo: the plug and subsequently the mould. This is mainly because the mould can be used to build around 40-50 boats, so unless you are in at the start of a marque you don’t get to witness the birth. Due in part to high demand for the Kraken 50, we are currently building the version 2.0 mould and want to share the growth stages with our readers.
Even with her various accolades for design, Yachting World having recently named her as one of their ‘best blue water designs of all time,’ we have made a few tweaks to her design. We have raised the topsides by 10cm and moved the chain-plates further out, providing benefits for interior layout options and overall space. We have also made changes to the styling of the saloon windows to show off the true Kraken wrap-around design. As we build the newest plug, mould and eventually the yacht, each month we will cover the progress of the build to provide an insight into the Kraken concepts.
Of course, the first step before any construction work can begin lies with the design team. They ensure all models and drawings are ready before being handed to the shop floor. Our core design team is headed up by Head of Design, Filip Sochaj, who has been part of the Kraken family for over two years and has had a passion for sailing since he was a young boy. Our structural engineer, Pete Lawson, is a composite expert and has over 30 years of yachting and marine industry experience. Naval architect Kevin Dibley drew the yacht and is also a life-long sailor. He spent his youth living on yachts, and now has a portfolio that is as extensive as it is varied. He has also worked alongside America’s Cup Hall of Fame yacht designer Laurie Davidson on various high-end racing and cruising designs over the past 20 years.
Once the drawings are ready, files are generated which allow us to cut precision frames using a CNC machine. Two sets of frames are prepared, one set for the hull and a second set for the deck.
CNC machining in action Frames being laid out
Laser measuring tool checking the alignment of the keel after being inserted into the hull structure
The structure being laid out
The hull frames are laid out in order and connected together, much like a giant jigsaw puzzle. At this point, we have an upside down skeleton of the yacht and the basic structure is ready to be covered. The expert carpentry team takes wooden planks to create the shape of the hull, eventually finishing with three layers. Once this has been completed it is ready to be faired off.
At the same time as the hull section is built, the rudder skeg and ZERO Keel are CNC cut from construction foam. These are then covered with filler, faired and laminated before they are ready to be inserted into the hull. Once craned to the hull and carefully inserted in the slots, computer analysis ensures these are located correctly. Each element of the plug must be precise to make certain every boat is perfect. Laser measurement tools are used at multiple points to check alignment and measurements reflect the computerised model and drawings.
Join us in February for the next update.
