US boatbuilder Westport has completed the superstructure assembly of its largest build to date — the new 50m (164ft) tri-deck motoryacht, which is due for delivery in early 2006. According to a press release, workers at the group's 102,000sq ft facility in Port Angeles, Washington, have secured the yacht's flybridge deck/coaming unit on top of the pilothouse and upper-deck lounge to complete the assembly, while other teams continue to work on the interior structure. "Westport has invested heavily in infrastructure, design, tooling and process engineering for this project," says company president Daryl Wakefield. "The payoff here is that components fit precisely the first time, virtually eliminating re-work and delay while meeting very high quality standards." Designed by naval architect William Garden and stylist Donald Starkey, the new tri-deck motoryacht provides enough accommodation for up to 12 guests, and is powered by twin 16V 4000 MTU engines for a maximum speed of 24kt. Computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies were used extensively throughout the build, allowing intricate sub-assemblies to be completed externally for a clean build and on-time completion. Westport builds vessels ranging from 29.9m-39.6m (98ft-130ft), with the new 50m (164ft) tri-deck yacht due for release in 2006. The group has shipyards in Westport, Hoquiam and Port Angeles, Washington, with sales offices in Seattle and Ft Lauderdale.
Some updated images of the Westport 164' hull, compliments of Ron Nugent at Westport... And the accompanying press release... The first hull in Westport Shipyard’s new 50 Meter tri-deck series emerged from its mold at the company’s Port Angeles, Wash., yard, then was moved into an adjacent assembly bay for remaining construction stages. Molded as a single unit, the all-composite hull is the largest ever built for series production. “Our lamination processes and the mold itself have passed this first milestone with flying colors,” said Lee Taubeneck, Westport vice president and general manager of the Port Angeles facility. “The engineering and process control required to complete this unit have paid off handsomely.” Taubeneck noted that the complex mold was developed to allow incorporating guards, portlights, through-hulls and other features into the hull as a single monolithic unit, eliminating the need to drill or cut into the laminate and allowing us to preserve full integrity and strength.”
Prior to releasing the hull from the mold, crews completed an integrated structural grid including longitudinal members, engine beds and bulkheads. Vacuum-assisted lamination techniques are applied throughout the build to maximize strength and reduce weight, Taubeneck noted. As work continues on installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and propulsion systems, lamination crews proceed with the creation of other composite parts decks and superstructure for the first 50-meter yacht. Following detailed mold preparation, the yard will begin work on a second hull in late summer. Westport is the largest manufacturer of luxury motor yachts in North America, currently building eight vessels annually from 98 to 130 feet, with the new 50 Meter tri-deck yacht in process for future release. The company operates shipyards in Westport, Hoquiam and Port Angeles, Washington, with sales offices in Seattle and Ft. Lauderdale. For more information, contact: Westport Yacht Sales Division 2957 State Road 84 Ft. Lauderdale FL 33312 (954) 316-6364 info@westportyachtsales.com.
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