The main tow pin assembly is lowered into place after a portion of the deck & framework is removed.

These pins will be used to keep the tow line centered. It's design is so the pins (2 port and 2 starboard) can be raised & lowered and rotated to hold the tow line centered, yet still allows the line to pay in and out, it also makes it much safer for the deck hands.

With the pin assembly in place, it is welded inside & out. Visible is the large roller that the tow line will ride on reducing wear & tear on the tow line and deck.

Looking forward towards the bow. The bow section can be seen on the shop floor in the background.

A view of the engine room where they are pulling electrical wiring that will be used for the operations of the boat. A temporary stair case is used until the deck house goes on. This room will soon fill up with engines and equipment.

Installing the aft bulwark framing. A large shaped pipe is put into place, this will provide structure for the aft Poop Deck* and can support the forces of the tow line.

*[Poop Deck - from the latin word puppis, or raised deck aft of the main mast]

More bulwark framing, with the tow pins in view. With the framework in place it is now ready for the aft bulwark plate or "stern wrapper".

The kort nozzles are installed on the underside of the boat, these will contain the propellers and provide increased thrust and efficiency. Chain falls and come-a-longs are used to position the nozzles exactly where they need to be so the propeller shafts will align properly with the stern tube.

A welder preparing to weld the starboard propeller shaft tube or "stern tube" to the hull. This must be done by a skilled and qualified welder to ensure no migration of the tubes as they penetrate the hull into the engine room.