One Year of Building an Aluminum Catamaran: Reflections and Progress

Celebrating One Year of the Catamaran Build

• 🥳 One year has passed since the initial delivery of aluminum sheets for the Delos 2.0 catamaran build.
• 🚀 Thousands of hours of labor have been invested, with the team ahead of their initial projections for this stage.
• 💡 The build is currently in the fit-out phase, a milestone expected to take longer by industry standards.

Reflections on the Build Process

• 🎯 Favorite aspects include designing systems and seeing components from around the world fit together seamlessly.
• 🤯 The sheer workload and physical demands of the build were underestimated, involving long hours on feet and in confined spaces.
• ⚠️ The mental toll of the project is significant, with challenges in turning off the mind and managing feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious.
• 🤝 The importance of seeking professional help through therapy is highlighted as a tool for managing stress and gaining new perspectives.

Interior Design and Layout Decisions

• 🛋️ Discussions are underway for the salon area, focusing on the size and depth of the sofa and its impact on the master cabin.
• 📐 The team is exploring innovative design ideas, accepting that some may not work but embracing the experimentation.
• ⚖️ Decisions involve balancing pros and cons, such as sacrificing table size for more seating space or vice versa.
• 🛠️ The beauty of designing a custom boat lies in the ability to tailor the space to specific usage patterns and preferences.

Design Features and Innovations

• 🛡️ The hull features six mil plates instead of the standard five mil for increased strength and durability at the waterline.
• 🌊 The prop and shaft are protected by an SCG plate, and the rudder is also shielded, allowing for more robust construction and the ability to beach the boat.
• ⚓ Mini keels were chosen over daggerboards for simplicity, ease of construction, and to gain interior space, with water tanks integrated within them.
• 💨 The design prioritizes sailing performance by opting for a slightly smaller interior volume to keep the ends of the boat lighter and improve the trampoline area.
• ☀️ An extended roof provides shade, increases water catchment, and accommodates more solar panels, creating a versatile outdoor galley and lounge space.

Future Plans and Challenges

• ✈️ The team is planning a family holiday, with one member traveling earlier to prepare the boat for relaunch.
• ⏳ A significant challenge is the two-year limit in French Polynesia; moving the boat before May is crucial to avoid substantial import taxes.
• 🗓️ Launch date predictions vary, with one optimistic and one pessimistic estimate, highlighting the inherent uncertainties in such a large project.
• ⛵ The current focus is on enjoying the process and the challenge of building, rather than rushing to completion after years at sea.