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| Shown here, a concrete pumper is in position to add 27,000 lbs. ballast to a void on the starboard side, offsetting list due to greater superstructure to port. Also shown, aluminum benches for outer, upper deck seating, and a work bench for the engine room. (Rich Ellefson photo) |
Last week's accomplishments will be hard to beat in terms of visual milestones in the Madonna construction project. The vessel rolled out of the paint shed and is now afloat in finishing stages, a mere two weeks later. But there are many ongoing activities remaining, each requiring time in preparation and completion.
Photographs depict just one element that took place early this past work week at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. Rich Ellefson spent the week at the yard, following up on a variety of work being done, answering questions, ensuring that piping, wiring, hydraulic lines and brackets will enable reasonable clearances and access for maintenance in years ahead.
Benches for the uppermost deck had been out-sourced by Bay Shipbuilding to local fabricator Hi-Tech. We've purchased similar outer deck benches from Hi-Tech before for other ferries. They arrived powder coated in white and ready to bolt in place on the sun deck.
Wiring for lighting and pumps, the various switches and controls that lead to the pilot house...all of this is time consuming work. Nearly every pipe, tube and wire leads to or from the engine room.
Within two weeks or thereabouts, the Madonna should be in shape for start-up and testing of engines, the hydraulic, fire and bilge systems, with sea trials shortly thereafter in the outer bay.
Lots of work yet to be done, nearly all of it out of sight to the casual observer unless you are a tradesman, supervisor, or inspector.
- Dick Purinton
2 comments:
Wow! Do those outside benches have tables for laptops and snacks ..... and cupholders??? Classy!
Outstanding, very exciting, can't wait for the first run!
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