The hull of my vessel Kochi is a development of the Hambly cutter Baroque and is close to Cariad. Ed Burnett and I sat together to re-draw the lines in the “spirit” of these two but to include such niceties as a thick enough stern post.
As you will see from the photographs, the hull is very fair and a good shape. The men in India have made a smashing job of the basic structure.
Unlike most, the vessel is constructed completely in Tropical Hardwood – in this case AINI. Locally known as Indian Teak and being very durable, is used in the construction of their better fishing boats, especially in the tropics. The decks are made from Burmese teak. Main structural fastenings are aluminium bronze from Columbia metals.
Hull plank to sawn frames are fastened with heavy gauge copper boat nails – roved, and deck planking is screwed with silicion bronze screws.
Engine and sterngear are installed. A new Beta 90hp 4 cyl diesel via a flexible drive. The engine is offset to starboard and drives the centerline shaft via a flexible Python drive to allow passage to the aft port cabin.
Main bulkheads are in place along with basic saloon joinery and aftheads, and joinery other than the main 3 berths (one double and one single}. All bulkheads and joinery, other than the main saloon, can be removed simply to allow a different layout if required.
Kochi, built of tropical hardwoods is obviously of better, more durable materials and will incur lower maintenance costs. I have added nothing in for this, as build cost in India were lower.
The vessel is privately owned by me. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank T.Nielsen & Company for their support and guidance in beautifully refurbishing my Kochi.
