Forepeak Progress

A

fresh challenge I have been working on the past few weeks has been the forepeak.

The forepeak deck is at the forward-most point of the vessel, situated below the forecastle. This space usually houses bait, gear and a crew rest area.

Since 2019, this section of the model has remained largely unchanged since I first started modelling the F/V Scully. After I recently completed all the exterior of the hull, I was very eager to blockout the geometry and finally layout all the rooms.

The only thing missing again was references!

I pored over videos online and without watching every Deadliest Catch episode to find a few seconds of footage, I managed to find two video shorts posted by the crew of the F/V Cornelia Marie last year, featuring a brief tour of the forepeak.

Using this footage, alongside my model’s outer hull geometry, I was able to study the structure and replicate key sections I was unsure about; such as stairs and door placement.

After all the adjustments remodelling the original bow, I found I’d actually made more room to play with and add features from other vessels I liked; while taking into consideration how the space can aid in environmental storytelling.

Beneath is a progress screenshot cross-section of the build. The small beams across the forepeak ceiling form the upper forecastle deck and the large beam running perpendicular down the center is the transverse girder; designed to handle the main lateral load, as well as the weight of the bow mast.

Jason Bartlett ©

Next up, coiling block renders!

Thanks for reading :)