Welcome to "Philosophical" a Ferro Cement Fijian 37.5 Yacht.
The project commenced in August 2002 and the yacht was launched on May 30th. 2007. It was an interesting project and an extremely difficult one. However, one will find that the completion of such a project will give much pleasure to the builder.
The yacht comes with a Marine Engineers Report carried out before and after launch in May 2007.

The vessel was anti fouled and repainted in July 2010. Anodes were replaced on the prop shaft and the hull.
The vessel also comes with a "Vat Receipt Book" which acts as a record of VAT. Paid. This is a requirement for entering foreign ports to show that Vat was paid on the items used to construct the yacht.
| Initial PlansThese plans, purchased from Hartley and Brookes of New Zealand, were carefully laid out on plywood and the frames 'pinned' before removing the plans carefully in preparaion for bending wire frames and welding. |
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Final photo of hull ready for plasteringPlastering took place over a 12 hour period and was supervised by a professional who had build a number of ferro fishing boats in the North of Scotland. He drove us mad with his need to get everything just right. It paid off and the result is an excellent hull. | Port Side of Armature This shows the armature prior to plastering. |
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Almost Finished HullThe 3 hulls now with the final layer of netting in place. | Hull and Yacht nearing completionThis was a gratifying time and at last we were nearing completion. |
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A View of the Finished BowThe hull had 3 coats of West Epoxy with a further 2 coats of white epoxy to complete the hull. Finally 2 undercoats of Jotun Silver Undercoat with 2 coats of Jotun Antifoul. | Launch DayThe yacht has it's new cabin fitted and the mast (42ft.) stepped on the ferro deck. It was a great day to see the Yacht floating on it line and stable. |
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The Finished YachtIn May 2008 a new 58hp. Beta/Kubota marine engine was fitted as the earlier 37 hp engine was not felt to be powerful enought. The new engine gives 8 knots in calm conditions, although it has not been run on full power as yet. | New Sails and Furling GearNew Furlex Furling Gear was fitted in June 2008 with a new Furling Genoa and new main sail. We were experiencing 7 knots with ease in a force 5 and even gained 6.5 knots on genoa alone. |
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Integral Systems.The yacht's sanitary system has been installed in accordance with the new European Regulations. All fluids/solids are contained in an 80 gal. tank for discharge at sea or removal in harbour. Many harbours/marinas abroad are restricting craft without these systems. | Designed for single Handed Sailing.The yacht has been planned for solo sailing if necessary. It has a deck layout which draws all sheets and lines back to the main cockpit. There is a mechanical self steering unit (no drain on power) which incorporates a second rudder fitted to the stern of the vessel. |
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Cockpit Looking Fwd.Cockpit area for up to 8 people. | Looking Fwd.Traveller set on coach top which makes it easier to control main sail. |
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Aft Double CabinAft Cabin can be used to change, etc. by removing the cushion and the wooden base by door. | Aft Cabin (2)With aft cushion removed. Remove base and there is enough room to get changed and give privacy. Also access to fuel tank. Storage under cushions. |
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Fwd. Shower & Wash Room & ToiletConvert to Shower by removing floor piece to expose shower tray. Curtain surrounds On the right is the pump for sea water to toilet. | Fwd. Electric Toilet Normally used by female crew. Electric push button which moves contents to 'Black Water Tank' for discharge in harbour by suction or at sea when off-shore. |
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Aft Heads (Manual).Aft Heads also has wash basin. Normally used by male crew. On fwd. bulkhead main black water pump to empty black water tank. | |
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This Fijian 37.5ft was launched May 30th. 2007. Ferro deck. Sleeps 8 in 2 cabins and saloon. An extremely safe passage making yacht with all the necessary items to make living on board very comfortable. Sanitary tank system designed to meet new European Regulations. New Furlex Furling system with new genoa and new large mainsail fitted June 2008. New Beta/Kubota 58hp. engine (7/8 knots) with TMC260 Gearbox fitted in May 2008. Fuel 360 litres. Water 540 litres. Rutland Wind Generator and rear framing to hold solar panels. Hot water to all 3 sinks and shower by electric pump and powered by gas heater including new cooker.
New Fridge. Two Toilets. Fitted wooden cockpit dodger. All new rigging with detachable inner forestay (with older forestay sail). Mechanical automatic steering gear fitted. Spare (older) mainsail. Bombard inflatable with outboard motor. New 6 man Plastimo Liferaft and EPIRB. All new Lowrance GPS., Radio, Clipper Depth/Wind/Speed Instruments. New professionally fitted bunks and main lounge seating, including blue deck all round seating. All new Admiralty Charts and Pilots from Inverness to Gibraltar. Many extras. Construction of the yacht was supervised throughout by a Marine Surveyor and plastering supervised by a professional in ferro cement. Recent surveyors report available (indicating insurance value at £80,000). Lying by Inverness, Scotland.
E-mail for more details: georgegraham65@googlemail.com
(More Pics Below)
58HP. Beta Engine fitted June '08
Fwd. Cabin 2 bunks or double bed with fwd. toilet/washroom/shower just aft with changing area.
Looking Aft from Fwd. Cabin door
Main Seating Area to Port
Main Seating Area looking Fwd.
Kitchen to Port.
Kitchen with water heater/cooker
Navigation/Chart table with Leisure and Main Engine Battery under with Inverter to the left. Second toilet/washroom to left of chart table.