Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship

Building aluminum hulls is an art in itself. It requires years of experience and training to become a specialist in this area. The employees of the Gouwerok Yacht and Shipyard are trained internally and externally to become skilled yacht builders . In addition , everyone has their own specialization . From detail engineer to pipe fitter and from trainee to certified welder: everyone contributes to the complex construction process according to a tight and coordinated plan. The expertise and experiences of all generations of shipbuilders to date have resulted in the extensive knowledge in work preparation and the craftsmanship on the floor. As a result, every hull that goes into the water is a new top product with which the outfitting yard can continue effortlessly.

Specializations:

Detail Engineer

The drawings of the yacht architect and the client are modeled into a 3D model. Here the hull is worked out down to the smallest detail. Cut files are then made from every part and every detail: documents with which the aluminum cutting factory cuts the parts into a kit.

Planner

With the 3D model as a basis, the working drawings and order lists are worked out. This provides the shop floor with the necessary information and the material is ordered.

Preparer Production

A yacht builder in training prepares each part so that it is ready for production. This varies from deburring to placing the strips on the aluminum parts.

Builder Subsections and Sections

The builder assembles all parts into subsections and sections. These can be from small subsections such as a tank to complete sections such as an engine room. The bigger the section, the more complex it gets to build on. Building sections properly is a precision job that requires a lot of experience.

Drafter Sections

All sections are aligned and leveled in the right place. This is done very meticulously with lasers. Because aluminum deforms during welding, height and alignment must be monitored during the entire construction period.

Welder

With advanced pulsed MIG MAG machines, the airframe is welded off. This part in the process is crucial: by welding the constructive parts, skin and decks, the hull becomes a strong and taut whole. The welds are checked randomly by means of pressure testing and X-rays. Parts such as tanks are put under pressure to see if there is no leakage and the X-rays show whether the seams have sufficient penetration.

ship shaper

All aluminum comes in as a flat part. Because many parts have a curvature, such as the strips, skin plates and the parts of a superstructure, these parts must be bent. The processing of the aluminum into double curved surfaces is done by these specialists on site.

pre outfitter

The pre-outfitter ensures that the hull is delivered ‘hot work free’. For the very complex systems on board, he installs the foundations, penetrations and cableways, among other things.

pipe fitter

Much fixed piping also consists of aluminum and is already installed during the construction of the hull. The proper installation of all these pipes is precision work that requires a lot of knowledge, experience and dexterity. The pipes are welded with the TIG welding process, a specialization in itself.