We recently completed building three custom Cora 48 catamaran models for an international client, PMG Shipyard, a Thailand-based yacht builder who actually make the real Cora 48.
Each model was to be identical to one another, and measure in at 57 centimetres in length, 28.5 centimetres in width and 35.5 in height.
The actual Cora 48 is a luxurious Catamaran designed for comfortable sailing and coastal cruising. It consists of many excellent levels, including a flybridge, an aft cockpit, a functional deck, a saloon, an owners’ suite and even a beachable hull, to protect against damage when grounding.
Unfortunately, during transit, one of the three models was damaged, and we were notified upon arrival. We rectified this as quickly as we possibly could, and built the client a new model free of charge. When they received the replacement model, their order of three Cora 48’s was complete, and they were absolutely thrilled.
As stated in the overview, PMG Shipyard is a Thai-based yacht builder. They were first established in 2004 as a privately held company, with Swiss ownership and management. Their presence in Europe is extremely prevalent, and key positions in management are held by world-renowned professionals.
At first, their reputation was solely built on the production of smaller leisure yachts, but their excellent craftsmanship led to constructing catamarans and commercial vessels, ideal for days out.
Nowadays, PMG Shipyard specialises in the construction of mono hull and luxury catamaran yachts, both power and sailing. Furthermore, they produced the first Luxury Solar Assisted Catamaran in the world in 2013, the Heliotrope 65.
The model was primarily handmade using wood, fibreglass, and chrome accents, with dimensions of 57 cm in length, 28.5 cm in width, and 35.5 cm in height. Built with a focus on accuracy and intricate craftsmanship, it featured no moving parts, internal mechanisms, or lighting.
The model was displayed on silver-toned supports and mounted on a sleek black base. While much of the construction was done by hand, CNC machines were used for the finer details, such as the ladder, railings, and small features like aerials.
The project took roughly six months from start to finish. The payment schedule was split into three phases: 50% upfront, 30% when nearing completion, and the final 20% upon delivery. The cost also included a sturdy custom-built wooden crate to ensure the model’s safe transport. Unfortunately, as mentioned in the overview, this was only the case for two of the three models in this particular instance, but the problem was rectified as fast as we could manage, and the client was ultimately very happy with the final outcome.
This custom Cora 48 catamaran model was primarily handcrafted from timber, fibreglass, acrylic, and chrome accents, with small quantities of metal used for the supports.
Before construction commenced, we worked closely with the client to finalise all details, including dimensions, specific features, aesthetics, payment terms, and a clear timeline. This thorough preparation ensured any misunderstandings were avoided later in the process.
We always begin with the hull, as it forms the foundation of any ship model. For this project, it was carefully measured to match the exact specifications. Once the hull was completed, we moved on to the upper deck, attaching thin wooden planks along the sides and rear of the ship to cover the internal framework. Following that, the base for the flybridge was constructed, and we began work on the decking, railings, and windows.
The next phase involved painting the hull, deck, and finer details, followed by the installation of chrome accents. The model was finished with a crisp white paint scheme, rich brown wooden decking, and grey striping.
As the project neared completion, we gave the model a thorough cleaning and polish, with the final touch being the addition of aerials to the flybridge.
After delivering the replacement for the damaged model, PMG Shipyard were thrilled with our three model renditions of their extraordinary Cora 48 catamaran.
It’s always an honour to work with prestigious corporations such as PMG Shipyard, and we always love building complex models such as these.
We now shift our focus to other various ongoing projects, and look forward in excitement for future builds such as this!
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