XPM85's Weekly Blog, 21-25 March

Hello everyone from the new division of Naval Yachts. We've had a pretty busy week. Antalya, contrary to what is known, is going through cold and windy days. Regardless of the weather conditions, we are continuing our work at full speed.

We will inform you about the developments related to the XPM85, which is one of the 5 boats currently in our shipyard.

The XPM (eXplorer Passage Maker) series represents our flagship line of explorer style powerboats.  These yachts combine elegant and spacious interiors, tough/functional and low maintenance exteriors, and systems/cababilities designed to take you anywhere in safety. 

Imagine crossing the Atlantic knowing that your boat has the seakeeping ability to keep you safe, the overbuilt aluminum structure to stay secure, the systems to handle any scenario, and enough range to take you across the ocean AND BACK without refueling. 

The frigid waters of Iceland are fair game, thanks to the heavy insulation, diesel heating, and 15mm thick hull.  The balmy waters of the Carribiean are just as welcome, thanks to the fully air conditioned interior spaces and plenty of aft deck lounging area.

The fact that you know that your boat will always support you and not let you down during your trips with the XPM series makes your trip enjoyable.

You can find general and technical information about XPM85 by accessing this link; XPM85

Assembly of the large integral main fuel tank has begun.  This tank is over 8 meters long and holds 17000+ liters of diesel.  This tank is divided into 6 separately managed compartments, allowing flexibility in fuel management and cleaning.  In addition, there are 2 large day tanks totalling 3000+ liters, these tanks are used to supply the main propulsion engines and generator.  These large tanks are key to the long range capability of these XPM yachts.  Contruction of these components is taking place in the Naval2 yard.  Once complete, they will be transported to the Naval1 yard for installation.

Gas argon welding is used for continuous welding of tank bulkheads and frames. The thickness of the welding wire used is 1.2 mm.  All surfaces are properly ground and prepared for clean accurate welds.  Temporary braces are used throughout to ensure pieces remain straight and true during the welding process.

You are looking at the construction of the “pipe tunnel”.  This accessible tunnel runs down the top center of the large main fuel tank.  This dedicated space is used for all pipes and hoses needed to run a yacht of this size.

Inside the main tank, the volume is baffled to reduce the sloshing of fuel (free surface effect).  All aluminum framing in the tanks is 6mm aluminum.

Here you see the foreward most water tight bulkhead.  In total, there are 5 watertight bulkheads. The area in front of this bulkhead is home to the chain locker, bow thruster, and plenty of storage. All bulkheads are heavily built with reinforcing framing.  In addition, all bulkheads will have thick EPDM insulation for sound proofing and temperation insulation.

 

Here you see the 2nd watertight bulkhead being lowered in place with a crane.  Bulkheads and frames are built in a pre-production step and then mounted to the boat.  The initial assembly and placement of the bulkheads and frames is done with spot welding.  Lasers are used to ensure proper alignment and orientation, and pieces are then spot welded in place.  Once initial assembly is done and all measurements verified ... pieces are welded inplace using continuous welds.

 

Here you see the pre-production of various frames that make up the structure of the yacht.  In total there are 23 frames (5 of which are watertight bulkheads).  Prior to assembly, these CNC cut aluminum pieces are cleaned, edges around the “lighten holes” are ground with a special tool to knock of any sharpness and yield a nice finish.  Facing plates that follow the curvature of the frame will be added next.  These are formed using a press machine and neatly match the inside curves of the frame.  They are then spot welded in place, checked, and then fixed in place with continuous welds.  Heat from the welding process can deforme shape parts.  This is where experience comes in to play, any deformation is minimized by using a combination of pre-headint and temporary bracing.  Finally, presses can be used to correct anything.