Southern Formula 19 readies for hull No.1

After the mould’s recent completion, the next chapter in the 19’s story is the production of hull No.1 of the newest, smallest member of the growing Southern Formula family.

Work has already started on laying up the hull, topside and stringers that will evolve into the Southern Formula 19.

>> FIRST LOOK: 2019 Southern Formula 19 takes shape

The process starts with the final polish and preparation of the mould, which is covered in a layer of hard wax to help free the completed hull from the mould. Research and development manager Jason Tonna, part of the development team for Southern Formula’s sister brand Haines Hunter, said the boat would then be built in reverse, starting with laying down the gelcoat that would form the 19’s outer skin.

The hull will take about a week to lay. As it is being completed, work will also start on producing the first boat’s top deck, stringers, console and wavebreaker.

The 19’s family likeness is no coincidence; it was built using the same computer-based modelling as the larger Southern Formula 21 and 24 models.

Southern Formula’s full-time naval archetect, Reza worked on a virtual model of the Southern Formula 19 as the plug was being built. The modelling helped to significantly shorten the development time for the 19, with Reza able to quickly move virtual parts around to ensure the smaller boat kept everything that made the larger models so appealing.

The Southern Formula19 is totally new including the hull, deck and internal layout, Reza said.

>> First Southern Formula 19 almost ready to take shape

Whilst the 19 is not the same as the 21- and 24-foot, the resemblance to the Southern Formula family is all there. “We wanted the 19 to be recognisable so that when you look at it you can see it’s a Southern Formula.” he said.

The computer modelling also allowed the research and development department to help Southern Formula cut down on development costs for the 19. The technology even allowed Southern Formula to experiment with life-size components.

“After we drew whatever we wanted, we cut it on the CNC machine and then used it to build up our (full-size) model,” Reza said.

“Sometimes we have the parts and I just want to see if it will fit the new boat. Having this, I can say well, we already have the bait tank from the 21, so we don’t have to rework it for this.

“Without the model, it’s like working blind.”

This is why the 19 will use the same live bait tanks as the 21 after the computer modelling showed they would fit inside the smaller hull’s dimensions. The same goes for the desire to maximise the size of the boat’s under-floor fuel tank, which would have an impact on the potential size of the kill tank.

One of the changes likely to make production is the location of the Southern Formula 19’s batteries. Reza said the computer modelling allowed Southern Formula to see what would happen if the battery’s weight was moved back in the rear quarter, subtly shifting the boat’s centre of gravity.

Hydrostatic calculations showed it would have benefits.

The modelling also allowed Southern Formula to test the 19’s ergonomics with a virtual human before signing off on the design of the cabin and the wavebreaker.

Reza said the 3D modelling had brought big benefits to the Southern Formula’s design.

“Before we had to wait for the actual boats to be drawn and then work out all the parts of the real boat, but now we don’t have to,” he said. “We have the 3D model so I can do whatever I want. We don’t have to wait for the actual boat.”

The Southern Formula will measure 20 feet along the waterline, but around 21.6 feet with the bowsprit. It won’t have as much freeboard as its larger 21- and 24-foot siblings outside the boat, but just as much internal freeboard. It’s also guaranteed it will have one of the driest cockpits in its class. The same Carolina-style bow with its variable deep vee will help provide a soft and stable ride while being super quiet and tough.

The first of the 19s is expected to make its official debut at the 2019 Melbourne International Boat Show in mid-June. Interest in the boat is already high as potential customers – some of whom have closely followed the journy of the 19 ever since the 24’s debut in 2018 – chase the same seakeeping abilities as the larger boats in the Southern Formula line-up, but in a package that’s smaller, better priced and easier to manage.

Boatsales.com.au will follow the progress of the Southern Formula 19 as it readies for its official launch in June.

Specifications
Model: Southern Formula 19
Length: 6.2m
Beam: 2.44m
Draft: 300mm
Deadrise: 21-degree variable
Hull weight: 1100kg (est, dry, no engine)
Weight on trailer: 2400kg (est, dry)
Maximum power: 250hp
Maximum outboard weight: 350kg
Fuel: 280L
Maximum passengers: 5
Built by: Southern Formula