Construction Phase Plan
In order to effectively delineate important stages in the construction of the vessel our plan has been developed to have four distinct phases. Each phase will build on the last and is meant to allow for comprehensive planning and strategic fundraising throughout. We have worked diligently to generate a transparent budget and plan of action.
Phase 1: Completion of major hull construction, application of coatings, and launch.
Phase 2: Installation of engineering machinery, systems, and navigation equipment. Fitting of masts, spars, rigging, deck hardware and machinery.
Phase 3: Outfitting of compartments for berthing, galley, research and educational spaces.
Phase 4: Conducting sea trials, completing final arrangements for specific programmatic needs, and the development of long term maintenance and program endowment.
Phase 1
With the completion of major hull construction we will achieve a tremendous milestone in the development of this ship, with a fully completed and structurally sound hull the vessel can be moved from her Flying Point construction site and launched in Recompense Bay. This milestone is monumental to the efforts that have sustained the mission for 23 years and seen her from keel laying to successful launch. Once afloat the vessel will be relocated to a marine construction facility to undergo the outfitting and rigging of subsequent phases.
Comprehensive Phase 1 Budget
Final hull plate rolling and installation
Final hull seam welding
Full seam finish grinding
Particulate blast and coatings application
Construction of launch ramp and cradle
Vessel transport and launch equipment
Vessel hull survey
Transportation and launch permits
Interfacing with utilities (phone & electric)
Captital campaign budget
Additional 10%
Total
$35,000
$35,000
$15,000
$20,000
$40,000
$50,000
$6,000
$4,000
$10,000
$12,000
$23,000
$250,000
Phase 2
Once the ship is launched and relocated to a marine construction facility we will undertake the installation of engineering machinery, ship systems, and navigation equipment. We will commence with the fitting of masts, spars, rigging, deck hardware and machinery. As this project has taken shape over the 23 years since her keel was laid, there have been numerous conceptual plans of how she will be outfitted. We are in the process of “reverse” engineering the specifications of her systems, identifying what she will need for ideal program operations, what attributes are important to incorporate, and how we can best construct her for both operational and educational success. By stepping back through the process and visualizing how she will look when she sets out on her first voyage we are able to ensure that our end goals will be met. The details of this phase and overview budget will continue to be updated as we work our way through this process.
Phase 3
With her core systems, machinery, and rigging installed, efforts will transition to outfitting her berthing, galley, research, and educational spaces. As plans for her interior take form we are again working through a “reverse” engineering process to determine how best to meet our final goals. Through program and ship comparison, and conceptual program development we have determined that Island Rover will be built with a capacity to berth 25, with the target number of 16 students and 9 crew. With this phase comes the final stages of inspection for United States Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping certification.
Phase 4
With the general completion of all construction and outfitting efforts, we will conduct sea trials, complete final arrangements for program specific needs, and work on the development of a long term maintenance and operational endowment. Through operating as an educational platform we strive to continually improve upon our educational resources aboard ship, maintain the vessel and her systems to high standards, and offer students an opportunity to learn hands on through a blend of both budding technologies and the time honored principles and simplicity with which similar ships have been operated for decades. Through developing a long term maintenance and operation endowment we look to responsibly solidify Island Rover’s continued success at delivering educational programs to youth.