Back at the Aluminum Catamaran Build: Progress and Q&A

Return to the Build Site

• 🚀 The team returns to the aluminum catamaran build after a three-and-a-half-month sailing journey from French Polynesia to Australia.
• 🥰 The reunion with the boat and the build team, including Dan, is met with excitement and a sense of being in the right place.
• 🤯 The progress made on the boat during their absence is astonishing and exceeds expectations.

Boat Construction Highlights

• ✨ Significant work has been completed on the interior liners, including the starboard hull, salon, and both heads.
• 🎨 Painting in the heads and finishing of windowsill combings have been completed, resulting in an incredible look.
• 🖼️ All windows and hatches have been fitted, with frames cut to match, and the honeycomb panels for the roof have arrived.
• 🛠️ The saloon area has seen substantial work, including raising the ceiling for increased head clearance, and the installation of cabinetry and the first AC unit.

Insulation and Finishing

• 🧱 Insulation plans include foam battens (XPE neon) from the waterline down and closed-cell polyethylene spray foam for wider areas and the roof.
• 🖌️ The plan is to spray down to the wood line, allowing for foam removal if services need access, and to spray the entire saloon roof.
• 🎨 Finalizing panels for painting and ensuring all gaps are sealed are key next steps before stripping and reassembly.

Q&A with Patrons

• ❓ Over 70 questions were received from patrons, covering a wide range of topics about the boat build and sailing life.
• 💡 Key questions addressed included welder choice (Caddy 205), window materials (acrylic vs. tempered glass), insulation methods, and aluminum corrosion protection (LIC coating).
• ⚙️ Heating and cooling systems will utilize a closed-loop hydro system with chillers in the engine room to reduce noise.
• ⚡ Lightning protection for aluminum boats is still under research, with the boat inherently acting as a Faraday cage.
• 🧭 Design decisions for Delos 2.0 are heavily influenced by past experiences on Delos 1, focusing on improved ventilation, living space, dinghy lifting, and an outside galley.
• ⚓ The main reason for switching to a catamaran is the increased comfort and space, especially when anchored, though sailing preference may lean towards monohulls for some.
• 📸 Future camera plans include a bow cam, mast cam, and potentially an anchor cam for better angles and monitoring.
• 🚤 A remote-control system for the boat is planned, allowing for precise maneuvering with electric engines.
• 🏠 Crew size is expected to be small, typically one other couple or person, for homeschooling and assistance.
• ☀️ Exciting upgrades include the back platform for dive gear, an outside galley, improved dinghy lift, and an insulated hull for efficient climate control, plus a minimum of 5,000 watts of solar panels.
• 📍 The hailing port is not yet decided but will likely be in the US for insurance purposes.
• 🍳 An induction cooktop will be included, but no dishwasher, with space prioritized for storage.
• 🧊 Two fridges, one drink fridge, and one drawer freezer are planned, with the option for a portable freezer.
• 📦 Storage space is reduced compared to Delos 1, requiring a more selective approach to clothes and provisions, though bow lockers offer significant storage.
• 🧰 Plans for a 3D printer on board are being considered for manufacturing replacement parts.
• 📜 The vessel is self-certified as it's not being built to class survey standards, but material and welding standards are being followed.
• 🌟 Notable progress includes final welding, interior liner work, head finishing, window and hatch fitting, and significant saloon construction.
• 🚢 The name "DDoS" is being considered for the boat, potentially as a nickname for Delos 2.0.