Now for a project of a completely different kind.

A completely new type of project being undertaken by the team at J-Star Boat Services to convert this ex Shell corporation lifeboat into a liveaboard and sightseeing trip boat.

Its nickname is the Yellow submarine 

One of the first jobs will be to convert the side opening hatches into a pair of sliding doors 

Sort out electric wiring for the engine and sort out the 240 volt shore supply   

Make a battery box and which will be vented and make it high enough to make into extra storage and a table.

Completely renew the galley 

Cooking area and get it up to spec to pass the BSC

Then sort out the engine wiring and instruments and get them working correctly and up to spec. 

The hull of the new dinghy is now finished and now the fitting out can begin.

Finally the last plank is now being fitted 

The final rebate being cut and the plank being fitted to the stem

The first of the moulds been removed as the plank is nailed in place.

The second mould now removed and 

finally the lot are removed to leave a big void to fill with centreboard case and seats and mast step

Looking up towards the stem after four of the twenty ribs have been steamed into position

Port side planking complete and just got to make the starboard side plank and then make a start on the fitting of the ribs.

Just giving the top plank a coat of thinned varnish before fitting to the dinghy

Starting to fix in position 

The apprentice starting to nail plank in place 

Using peg clamps and wedges to fit plank in position 

The apprentice about half way down the port side

Finally fitted and with a second coat of thinned varnish to finish it off for the day

Dry fitting port side top plank and then varnishing ready to put on next day

Dry fitting the plank , finally got to the top plank, Once these two planks are fitted then can make a start on making and fitting the ribs.

Fitting well round the moulds 

Now that it is dry fitted time for a coat of thinned varnish

Making sure to seal the end grain on the plank where it fits the stem.

Starting to make port side top plank and sanding down the inside of transom

Hand planing the last side of the port hand top plank and getting it ready to dry fit to the dinghy 

Starting to sand the inside face of the transom 

Sanded back to its unbleached surface and now ready for varnishing 

First coat of varnish and looking good 

Belt sanding plank to get rid of the plane marks