The Bottle
The transformation of this remarkable vessel took place in a rented garage in the Antwerp Harbour.
The
hull of the bottle is made of 6 mm thick plate steel and epoxy
reinforced laminate. A gigantic crown cork tops it. The cabine is
situated in the back of the bottle, on top of the miniature engine
room.
The necessary horse power is delivered by
a Nanni 85 Hp diesel motor with Linde hydrostatic drive. An oil pump
connected to this motor powers a hydraulic motor attached to a short
propeller shaft.
This will be the first time a boat powered thus crosses the Atlantic.
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| crown cork, stabilizers |
Two
junk sails make it possible to profit favourable winds. The two
electro-hydrolic driven stabilizing fins originally planned, were not
placed.
The hydraulic anchor windlass and bow propeller are placed
in the neck of the bottle. Finally the crown cork was replaced by a
wine cork made out of epoxy foam.
| The bottle form is not only chosen for promotional reasons. This volume also has very low air- and waterresistance.
As
always, Fons devotes special attention to the safety and sea worthiness
of the boat. The sturdy construction of the hull and the carefully
designed extra parts ensure all circumstances can be safely met.
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