Origin 7500 Diesel - The Build

Decision Making

I wanted to upgrade from my last boat and decided that a 7m plate boat would be ideal -- it would still be easily towed and would provide the scope for the custom fit-out I had in mind. I had already started to make initial enquiries re pricing with a couple of builders when Col Svensson phoned me to let me know he’d be building boats with a new company: OriginBoats. Col and his team did a great job building my last boat in 2004.

I explained to Col what I had in mind and he soon had some drawings ready for me to see. I loved the look of the newOrigin Evolution. Knowing the build quality of Col’s work and his ability to customise to my requirements, I decided to go with Origin and their Evolution 7500. As the name suggests, it is 7.5m long and has a 23 degree deadrise.

The next big decision was the power plant. I had been considering a big single or twins. I really liked the idea of twins given the distance from shore that we fish on the GBR, but the capital outlay and servicing cost was of concern.

I had also thought about a diesel stern drive, but had never had any experience with this type of set-up. I was of the belief that it would be costly to install, maintain and weigh too much. However, I spoke with a friend who worked for MTU Detroit Diesel, and he gave me the low down on an Italian engine they were distributing.

The engine MTUDD had was a Lombardini, 2.4l, 5-cylinder turbo diesel producing 240hp. This could be supplied with any of the Mercruiser Bravo stern drives, and with the Bravo 2 it only weighed in at 400kg. The weight of this set up was less than twin 150hp 4-strokes, had all the diesel advantages of reliability plus I wouldn’t have to worry about the ethanol issues I would have faced with outboards.

The other surprising aspect was the price, which was less than a pair of 150hp 4-stroke outboards and relatively favourable when compared to a big single (e.g. 300hp 4-stroke). Given these advantages I ordered the 240hp Lombardini with the Bravo 2 stern drive.


The Build

The last boat Col built for me was in 2004. I lived in Brisbane and was able to make regular trips to the factory to see what was going on. This time I was living in Townsville, so I wasn’t able to drop in whenever I chose. To make matters worse, I was going to be in Europe for seven weeks during the early build stages.

I needn’t have worried though, as Col and Richard kept me up to date with regular photos and emails while I was overseas. The emails and photos continued when I got back, plus I got a call from Col or Richard a couple of times each week. I also got photos at least once a week, and more often when a milestone was approaching.

So far as the build process goes, I'll let the following pics tell the story.

Flat pack arrives. It begins!



Framed! Hull frame work on jig.

Hull sheets tacked on.

Side sheet tacked on
Hull being turned over. Off the jig at last.


Main deck and side decks going in.






Cabin and cabin sides.







Hard top; Mk1

I asked Col to push the transom back to the trailing edge of the hull sheets.
This has created a lot more space inside the boat.

Duck board fitted.

Can't have too many rod holders!



Engine box complete

Looks like Mark is having too much fun before I do on my boat!




Toilet/shower cubicle. This is 1200mm high, allowing vision back from helm.
The lid is lifted for access and a curtain hung for privacy.


400 litre walk around fish box, 50mm insulation, fibreglass interior.


Port bench seat which houses a 100 litre fridge and a 100 litre freezer.
The flap on the end extends this to a 6 foot long bunk.

Under the helm seat. A two burner metho stove will live here.


Starboard side rope locker, to keep deck tidy when retrieving
the pick on the float. 



Hard top Mk2 going on.

Hard top Mk2 and the boat looks much more balance now.
It will also provide shade for our tropical environment plus allow
me to keep side curtains rolled up ready for use at all times.




Hot work complete, off to the painters.

Back from painters.

Now for the fit out.








Lombardini 240hp from MTUDD installed.



Bravo 2 stern drive installed.


Stone guards fitted to trailer. Material is 1.6mm checker plate alloy.

Custom vinyl work. 







These two pics show the custom padded windscreen protector.
This is to protect the screen from stones on the highway.







Upholstery complete

Engine stats.








Origin Alloy Trailer

The specs on the trailer to suit my 7.5m Origin;

· 5mm 5083 marine grade full structural alloy plate construction.· Fully welded frame
· Fully gusseted frame. 
· Duratorque fully galvanized marinised rubber suspension 3500kg
· Alloy 15" wheels with 8 ply light truck tyres
· Upgraded callipers and rotors to stainless steel
· Two fully adjustable alloy slides with polyethylene skids
· 4mm Plate alloy mudguards
· Sensabrake System with alloy cover
· Heavy Duty Tie down lugs
· Heavy Duty Swing up jockey wheel
· Safety chains and shackles - rated
· H/D Winch· All LED lights
  TARE = 570kg







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