GLORY Under Construction
Constructed from October, 2000 to September, 2001.
At
SHANNON YACHTS
GLORY was constructed over a period of eleven months, the family frequented Shannon Yachts to document and monitor the progress. The hull was laid-up by hand in a one-piece mold so that there would be is no centerline seam. One piece construction allows for continuous fiberglass laminates which go from one side of the hull to the other, this makes for added strength because there are no bolts, seams, or other areas with breaching potential. The hull laminate schedule called for an initial layer of NPG ISO Gelcoat followed by a layer of 1.5 ounce Mat set in a vinylester resin. Next was a layer of 2mm Coremat to prevent print-through of the roving materials underneath set in ISO resin. The next step was a multiple layer, biaxial unidirectional filament, 2408 grade roving. The foam core material is then set in Corebond mastic from the shear to the turn of the bilge, with solid laminate at the keel. This mastic produces greater adhesion between the core and the laminate than does the use of traditional resins. The foam core is then followed by multiple layers of 2408 grade roving, with additional reinforcements of 1708 45/45 bias roving, Kevlar/glass hybrids, woven roving, and epoxy resin for high stress areas like the stemhead, chainplates, rudder post, bulkhead attachments, and the internal hull flange. The use of isopthalic gelcoat and a vinylester resin veil-coat in combination with 2000 grade Interprotect epoxy barrier undercoats applied before the bottom paint completely protects the hull against blistering.
Shannon does all the fiberglass work in its own separate building dedicated solely to lamination and hull construction. The building's workroom is a 24-hour controlled environment to insure proper curing of the laminates. However, the most important aspect of hull construction are the workers themselves, Shannon has a world class crew of experienced laminators who understand their work to be the most significant part of the boat. The result is a fiberglass hull and deck capable of enduring the rigors of the sea for many years. When strength and durability are considered, the fiberglass materials and methods used by Shannon are undeniably the best and are well suited for an offshore cruiser.
In order to ensure the strongest and most watertight hull to deck joints, Shannon uses an 5-inch inboard flange along the top of the hull mold at the shear. This flange creates a strong base where the deck can be bonded and through-bolted to the hull. An inboard hull flange on a one piece hull required that the hull be constructed inside a two -piece mold that separated upon completion. This is the most labor intensive method of construction, however, it is necessary in order to have the benefit of an inboard flange on a one-piece hull.
The deck was first attached to the hull with a structural adhesive bonding compound and was then followed by 3/8" stainless steel bolts at 16" intervals. Later in construction, the deck was further secured by through-bolting the teak toe rail to the deck and through the flange with 5/16" bolts on 16" intervals. Furthermore, the genoa track is later through-bolted to the toe rail and through the flange with 1/4" bolts at 4" intervals. As all the bolts are staggered, the deck is thru-bolted to the internal hull flange at least once every four inches. In over two decades, no Shannon has had a hull to deck joint structural failure, in spite of some significant accidents, truck crashes and hurricane damage.
With regard to the interior, Shannon's standards stand alone in terms of comfort, safety, and practicality and this is evident in all aspects of the interior. For example, good size settee for sitting and dining does not make for a comfortable sleeping berth. Therefore, all the settee berths on GLORY have a slide-out feature to widen the settee for sleeping. In addition, lee cloths are installed to prevent people from falling out of the berths while under way. The minimum length of berths on GLORY is 6'-7" this facilitates people well over 6 feet tall to sleep stretched our and with a proper pillow. The galley is designed so a 5' tall person can reach, brace, and work without any exertion. The ability to prepare and cook meals in a seaway is critical for long distance sailing. GLORY has a "U" shaped galley, with a deep double sink, 4 burner propane stove with oven, and a refrigerator and freezer. The head was designed so people can brace themselves when the boat is heeling.
Storage space is another important factor in passage making. Lockers that have no ventilation are a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and moisture. All lockers on GLORY have louvered vents on the doors, as well as wood linings which cover all hull surfaces. In addition, the lockers set away from the fiberglass 3 inches to keep lockers and their contents warm and dry.
Overall, the interior of is a work of art, the craftsmanship is simply impeccable. The bulkheads are beautiful varnished and polished cherry. All fittings below are polished stainless steel and well fastened to the bulkheads, there are no nails used on GLORY everything is glued and screwed. The fine craftsmen at Shannon have built her both strong and beautiful as to ensure many years of enjoyable sailing.
The first bulkheads are tabbed into place. November 2000
Julie holds up GLORY's cradle. November 2000
The 71 HP Westerbeke is installed. January 2001
Work starts on the interior.
February 2001