While two months is not normally a long time, when you're building a boat, it can seem like an eternity. The anticipation of seeing "Endless Summer" in her almost finished state was both exciting as well as frightening. Up to this point, it's been drawings, engineering and renderings with only a few completed components along the way. Now all the pieces have come together and she is fast becoming more than a drawing, more than a dream.
We decided to fly into Boston and drive up the coast to Portland this time. While I'm not a fan of big city traffic, once we were out of the Boston metro, it was a relatively easy two hour drive. With the heat of summer upon New England, it was hard to remember the incredible snow accumulation and frigid temperatures we faced on our trip back in February.
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| Ready for inspection -- files in hand! |
With only four weeks left until the scheduled factory completion date of September 14th, I was a little surprised as it seemed there was still a lot to do. I was assured it would be "done" within the time frame and that despite my doubt, it was right on schedule. Just the same, it was exciting to see Endless Summer nearing completion.
The biggest change we made in the design concept was in the open salon and creating a new "utility room" below deck. Both were turning out even better than I had anticipated in terms of space and perspective.
The utility room was easy to access with a new ladder / steps design. Along with a washer and dryer to port, the utility room offered tons of storage space and shelving you just don't find on any other boat in its class. The fit and finish was most impressive.
The salon change was dramatic. Even without all the furniture in place, it was obvious that the new design made the beam of the Sabre 48 seem much larger and open than the normal build. The port side (where the "easy chairs" will be located) offered substantial space and an excellent traffic flow through the boat. I also felt that reversing the starboard side settee dramatically opened the aft end of the salon and given the new entry door configuration will make for easier entry and exit.
There are also a bunch of "little things" that while not immediately noticeable will make for a more comfortable and functional boat for extending cruising (ice maker, water purifier, custom ottomans, sliding solid salon table, hidden liquor cabinet, recessed lighting, large TV, settee extension for additional berth, additional electric outlets with USB plugs, room darkening shades in master, etc).
As with previous trips, I really enjoyed meeting the talented men and women at Sabre Yachts who are building this beautiful yacht. They take obvious (and well deserved) pride in their work.
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| Utility Room (washer and dryer to port) |
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| Starboard side settee - looking aft |
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| Port side space for chairs (not folding!) |
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| Master Stateroom |
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| Galley - a work in progress |
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| New salon door entry -- much better! |
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| Getting close to completion |
