(Newport, RI)- It has been an exciting two weeks at J/Boats since
announcing the newest 40’ J/121 concept. Response from sailors around
the globe has been tremendous, validating the need for a 40 footer that
can be adventure-raced with half the normal size crew. We’re pleased
to confirm that hull plug construction commences in a few short weeks at
Symmetrix Composites in Bristol, Rhode Island. 
Symmetrix
is the most advanced precision tooling company in New England and will
machine both the J/121 hull and deck plugs using the state-of-the-art
CMS Poseidon 5-axis CNC bay. Symmetrix engineers analyze final 3D
design models provided by J/Boats using Siemens NX11 CAD/CAM software
and will run a series of simulations to arrive at final machining
instructions for the 5-axis milling machine. Then the exciting part
starts. First the steel backbone frame with foam blocking is milled to
within an inch of the final plug surface and then an epoxy milling paste
is applied over the glass covered plug. The part returns to the
milling machine for a second and final precision machining operation to
take it to the final surface. Hand-sanding to 800 grit and buffing to a
mirror shine then completes the effort.From initial steel framing construction, to precision milling operations, to the final polishing the process to build a complete mirror finish hull plug/pattern will take just 7 short weeks. Production molds will then be constructed in January at CCFC and from there J/121 project development will accelerate through the winter and into spring. What a great way to kick off the New Year in 2017!
Stay tuned for progress photos and more info about the new J/121 in future J/News issues and at our website.
