Edencraft Factory Tour

[HH565L]

Took a drive out to Geelong/Newtown to meet up with Alan Ball, current owner of Edencraft. Primary purpose for the visit was to deliver 2 of X-Winch Large, one for a Formula 233 which will soon head up to Far North Queensland and operate as a commercial dive boat, the other for Alan's new 6m demo boat.

The 6m demo boat is all white (my favorite color) and will be fitted up with all the good gear hence the decision to install and X-Winch Large. It will be powered by a pair of 140hp Suzuki's. During the visit, 2 of the boys were marking up a new carbon fiber wave breaker for the forward windows (the other 2 were laminating the above-mentioned 233). On the wave breakers, Alan uses a clear gel coat and a broad weave carbon fiber cloth resulting in an absolutely spectacular finish. It's pretty much like looking into one of those infinity mirrors if you know what I mean.

Alan was happy to continue showing me around, chat about the significant improvements he has made to the product since taking over, and his vision for Edencraft moving forward. It quickly became evident Edencraft was finally in good hands. The 6m and 233 molds have been completely re-tooled and the finish is absolutely fantastic. His new laminate schedule includes a layer of carbon fiber which adds a whole lot more strength (more about that later) without compromising weight, and the attention to detail in equipment selection and fit up is as good if not better than many of the big brand companies.

The factory itself is not huge by any stretch of the imagination, but it is very well set up with 'sections' allocated to specific functions.

The laminating room is a temperature and humidity controlled environment and comprises dust and fume extraction. This provides consistency in the product being produced as well as a pleasant working environment for the laminators. It also means Edencraft can build all year round.

To the side of that, there is an area where the hull and deck sections are bonded, and off to the side of that is the area where the boats are fitted up and made ready for collection.

All the molds are stored in doors and out of the weather and when not is use are stacked above the workshop area to minimise any possibility of damage.

There is also a fabrication area and store stocked with deck hardware and accessories as well as office space and of course all required ammenities.

Other interesting experiences during the visit included putting an approx 30cm x 30cm x 6mm piece of Alans new laminate in to a bench mounted 6 inch dawn vice and attempting to break it by swinging (base ball style) a smallish sledge hammer at it (we failed miserably), watching a video of the original Haines Hunter 233 molds being destroyed by heavy machinery (must say watching that left me gob smacked and I actually felt sick in the stomach) and seeing some cad/solid works drawings of things Alan has in the pipeline. In Alan's hands the future certainly looks bright for Edencraft.

Sorry about the lack of pics. Didn't have my camera and am not even sure if Alan would have allowed it anyway.

Overall it was an informative and enjoyable experience and I look forward to catching up with Alan and his crew again in the near future. Thanks again Alan for taking the time to show me around. Next time, we might even water test a few. ;D

[Vromme]

Great post Spiro. Great to see another passionate boat builder here in Aus. Lets hope he gets in plenty of orders and gives the American imported boats a run. I know what Id rather have (Im happy to spend the extra on Aussie built).

I think there maybe some photos of the new 6m hanging around, who knows someone may post them here. It looks sensational.

Thanks for the info - fantastic read.

[OPTI]

here are a few pics of the boats,:P

[Jarrah Jack]

Thanks Spiro, good to see you getting about and selling those quality winches of yours. I didn't know white was your favorite color, lucky the tinnie is white for when you come out. Well it was white in 79 when it was built.

[HH565L]

Of course white is my favorite color Terry, you've seen pics of my tub before.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/HHDay.jpg

I wonder if they do a white carbon fiber weave?

Terry, unfortunately I am going to have to pass on your offer this week end. I am helping another friend re-wire a 4.9 Markham that's been sitting for a while. He purchased a newer 5m Markham a while back and needs to move the old one ASAP. I'll shoot you an email, maybe we can catch up for a coffee at Hastings during the week.

[Jarrah Jack]

What you mean you don't want to come out in this, my pride and joy.;D

[PB]

Heres a couple more of the 233 in Optis Pics after the the Stainless work was done by Macquarie Stainless.
Alan is doing an awesome job and is very passionate about it. He also has some big thing coming witch will push these incredible boats ever further.

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Hemo1984_album/233001.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Hemo1984_album/233002.jpg

[wirlybird]

i always say what ever gets you on the water is good enough Jarrah

[HH565L]

What you mean you don't want to come out in this, my pride and joy.;D

Now you've gone and made me feel terrible :-[:-[:-[

[Aimrite]

Hi Spiro

It was great to meet you that day at the Edencraft Factory! That is the way business should be done, you go and actually meet the fine folks that are building your boat or winch. I would much rather spend my money with small businesses. You get a feeling of satisfaction knowing that the gentleman you are shaking hands with is going to put his "all" into your next toy. Personally, I consider myself an Aus-ie-Can I am both Pro-Australian and Pro-American but what is most important to me is "quality" and whomever makes the best can have my money!

In regards to the Edencraft Factory, I have had the pleasure in my lifetime to own about 20 quality boats half of which were custom builds. I have never been in any boat factory as clean and tidy as the Edencraft factory, we have a saying in the Navy "clean ship happy ship" and Alan and his crew are a shinning example of what a factory should look like. Dealing with Alan has been a sheer joy and working through this build he and his team have been extremely professional. This is amazing, for a boat builder he told me when they would start and be finished and he has not deviated yet!

Edencraft is also not afraid to go outside the norm. I asked Alan to do something different to my hull and with the help of a very special naval architect/boat designer Alan made it a reality. My 233 will have a single Yamaha V-8 350 mounted on the back.

Yes as Spiro talked about above the 233 in the mold is mine. I can't say enough good things about my dealings with Edencraft and Allan Ball everything has just been spot on!

[Spaniard_King]

This is the 3rd boat out of the updated mold in 2007. Put nearly 600hrs on it since then77774;D

[nigelr]

The one with the dive door just became my dream machine......sensational!
Thanks for the boat porn, guys.

[HH565L]

Hey Rick, how are you doing?

Thanks for the positive comments, they are very much appreciated.

I was blown away to see how far your 233 had progressed since my last visit to Edencraft. These guys certainly don't muck about!

Love your comment about being Pro-Australian and Pro-America. That might explain why you're buying and Australian made, American designed boat. ;D

Alan and crew offered to bolt up your winch, so I've left it with them for now but will stay in contact in case plans change. If they do, I'll happily drive back and bolt it in myself as previously agreed. ;) Did you know the bulkead is 20mm solid fiberglass?

Regards,
Spiro

[HH565L]

This is the 3rd boat out of the updated mold in 2007. Put nearly 600hrs on it since then77774;D

Very nice Spaniard 8-)

[Willo]

This is the 3rd boat out of the updated mold in 2007. Put nearly 600hrs on it since then77774;D

Heres a better shot of ya Boat ..LOL

77793

[Aimrite]

Hi Spiro

I heard something about them going to a much thicker bulkhead so they could get away from a stainless backing plate. That is a good thing! Thank you for taking care of me down there, I cant wait to get my hands on it and rig it up and go for a sea trail. Never had a boat with a winch before, my wife is very excited ! :)

Rick

[OPTI]

we need plenty of pics of your boat on here rick:P

[Aimrite]

As soon as she comes out of the mold we will start posting them. Although, I would never want to be in a photo shoot next to your boat! Btw your 233 is the "Nicest Pocket Sport Fisherman" I have ever laid my eyes on!

I think when you sit down and dream about what fits our own individual boating style allot of the owners personality goes into the build as well. No single boat is perfect and fits everyones personality the same way. My build is unique to the way I use a boat. Being a Spearo I want to get from point A to point B quickly and in comfort, I don't much care if she is tender at rest because I am in the water! Maybe that is why the Ab guys love them so much!

Opti maybe one day we can meet out at Flinders/Ribbons on a overnighter! It would be nice to pick your brain over several beers. Cheers mate

[OPTI]

sounds good mate ,although there isnt much to pick,lol

[HH565L]

Hi Spiro

I heard something about them going to a much thicker bulkhead so they could get away from a stainless backing plate. That is a good thing! Thank you for taking care of me down there, I cant wait to get my hands on it and rig it up and go for a sea trail. Never had a boat with a winch before, my wife is very excited ! :)

Rick

Your wife is excited about the winch! You must have had her on anchor duties previously :D :D :D

[HH565L]

Quick update.

New Custom Bow Sprit

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC64.jpg

X-Winch Large Installed

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC63.jpg

Ready for Stainless

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC6.jpg

Stainless Completed

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC62.jpg

Boat is on it's way back to Geelong where the fit-out will be completed.

Outboards on next week.

On the water week after maybe. 8-)

[DAZMC1]

Thats beatifull, but I still like the black one that Warren had, but I could be biast.

[HH565L]

Here you go DAZ, another pic to get the juices flowing ;D

Hopefully a few more soon that show the outboards and internal fit-up.

All looking pretty good IMO and she'll be off to Portland to chase Southern Blue Fin Tuna soon.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC65.jpg

[HH565L]

Time to update this thread with a few more pics received from Alan today.

The demo boat is all fitted up a ready to go. A couple of external shots to kick things off.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC17.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC18.jpg

The twin 140hp Suzuki's should push it along quite nicely as well as further improving its stability at rest.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC15.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC16.jpg

A few internal shots to give you a feel for the fit up.

Lots of free floor space. Dive door can be seen to the left, ample rod storage on the right, and a nice flat transom area to improve fishability (is that a word?). Access hatches give good access to the batteries and anything else installed in that area.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC19.jpg

Looking to the helm. All is well laid out and easy to get to. Tidy presentation and no clutter. Three more access hatches to the dry storage areas. Grab rails towards the top of the wave breaker and on top of the dash are a nice touch. I'm sure they'll come in handy when motoring in the rough.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC23.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC22.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC20.jpg

Digital gauges for each of the motors sit below a nice combo unit. These free up more space on the dash and provide more information than a cluster of analogue gauges.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC21.jpg

Up front an X-Winch Large loaded with 100m of 8mm polyester double braid and 10m of 8mm stainless steel chain. As it's barely half full, there should never be an issue with rope bunching etc.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC25.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC24.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z14/HH565L/Edenraft/EC26.jpg

Finally a quick note of thanks to Alan and his team for making these pics available. I'm sure we'll have some on water pics in due course.

[simon656]

Awesome looking rig Spiro,
Can you tell me where you got the switch panels from, have been searching high and low for something lik those,
Cheers

[HH565L]

Hi Simon,

Not my boat but I'm sure the owner (Alan Ball at Edencraft) will appreciate your comments.

As for the switch panels, I suspect they are manufactured by Carling but am not sure where to source them. Having said that, please feel free to give Alan a call on (03) 5221 0444. Tell him you've seen pics of his new demo boat on Ausfish and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to put you on to his switch supplier.

Regards,
Spiro

[HH565L]

After much anticipation, Alan's new demo boat was water tested mid last week.

Spinning the 22" props, max revs were around 6300-6400 rpm and a top speed of 78 kmh was recorded.

As the revs were too high, a new set of 24" props have been ordered. These should cause 2 things to happen:

1. Pull the revs back to around 6100rpm in line with Suzuki specs and
2. increase top speed to by another 6-7kmh to approx 85kmh.

When pushed hard, these Suzuki's make some good noise.

[/URL][URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRtpsm9XWU&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRtpsm9XWU&feature=player_embedded)