Royce, Mike and the team did a fantastic job on Crusader's big refit, and on 14 February 2024, it was time for her launching.
With her new swim platform extension, cockpit cabin top extension - which includes glass, side weather panels, a new electronics suite, installation of a bow thruster, re-covered deckhead panels and a full repaint, she is all but a new boat.
Once she was in the water and the full electronics and systems checks had been completed, she was fueled up and the team cast off for her sea trial.
The sea trial went exactly as expected, with a very short snag list diagnosed - which was all resolved in about half an hour.
Her owner is very pleased with the results... ready for another 19 years of boating.
Back in the factory, ready for work to begin.
1/16
Removing the old anti-foul.
2/16
Tented - to contain the dust from removing the anti-foul.
3/16
Time for the bow thruster install. Allan gets the job of cutting the hole in the right place – no pressure.
4/16
Done and ready for hi-build.
5/16
Cockpit overhang extension being fabricated.
6/16
Shaped up and ready for paint.
7/16
Mike setting up for the swim platform extension.
8/16
All framed up… true and level.
9/16
Josh and Alex setting up to glue down the top skin.
10/16
Getting her ready for her new coat of paint.
11/16
Cockpit overhang extension painted - and how is that for fair – a perfect reflection of the work light attached to the safety rail.
12/16
The finished swim platform.
13/16
This detail is showing how the timber is joined to make the tight corner radius (as shown above) in the outboard edge of the swim platform’s teak decking. No CNC machining here; this is all done by hand.
14/16
Helm with the new 16-inch Furuno MFDs installed.
15/16
Done.
16/16
Back in the factory, ready for work to begin.
1/16
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What major upgrades were made during Crusader’s big refit?
The refit included a new swim platform extension, cockpit cabin top extension with glass and side weather panels, a new electronics suite, bow thruster installation, re-covered deckhead panels, and a full repaint.
2. How did the sea trial of Crusader go after the refit?
The sea trial went smoothly with only a very short snag list, which was resolved within about half an hour, confirming the success of the refit.
3. How was the craftsmanship handled during the refit?
Many detailed tasks, such as the teak decking on the swim platform, were done by hand without CNC machining, demonstrating the team’s skilled craftsmanship.
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