Hi Mark, I'm pleased to hear there is another 480 on the way. it is a great little boat for minimalistic cruising, very dry to sail and a lot of fun. Just regarding the points you raised, as Bernd mentioned the upper sections of the bulkheads are made later. It is useful to transfer the markings for centre line and bulkhead locations to to upper side of the deck panel so you can find them after the hulls have been assembled. As regards the curved front, I asked Bernd specifically for some ideas for a curved panel as i so liked the same detail that is on some of his bigger boats: the KD 860 etc. He sent me a couple of drawings but I had to work out how to do it myself, as per my blog. I wish I had taken more photos. Anyway i assumed at the time that Bernd would include the panel in future plans but I did not realise he was against such a detail fot the reasons he noted today. Personally I have had zero problems with slamming, perhaps because I sail with never more than two up, only day sail, and only sail in relatively sheltered coastal waters. I would be terrified to make such a journey as David Thatcher completed in his Eco 6, basically off shore at times with the potential for huge seas, Mind you he is a very experienced sailor.??
You can pm me if you like, maybe I still have the drawings for that panel if you are keen to attempt it
regards
Bryan
bryanandmarycox