I built my own 2,000 sw ft. house, and will never do it again. It was super time consuming, required updates for the next 5 years or so full of stressful moments, still required contractors for most things, and the costs were around 20% higher than planned. I now own a 1992 50' Riva motor yacht (I'm overseas with the military ). In 1992, this boat sold for 1.2 million US. I know this boat inside out now and I can say unequivocally, I could never afford to build such a high quality boat myself. The hull is super solid - like brand new even after 28 years. I could not replicate what Riva did, the thickness of the materials, double teak decks, etc. The engineering and designing is masterful down to the way still super tight light panels slip into place so they will never rattle. The joinery is top grade. I've replaced many mechanical items - like the generator, batteries and battery chargers, navigation equipment, etc. Engines only have 400 hours on them. When I finally retire onto a trawler or power Cat, I will purchase an older, vey high quality used one that I know will outlast anything I could build myself. But you two are young, and you will learn a lot from this experience. And you seem to be prepared for the long haul. Also, everyone's experience is different. You might just end up with the boat of your dreams. Good luck!
I've been watching you for quite awhile now but it's still a shock to see those old photos. You were just babies!! I fully intend to watch the boat build. In 1973 my friends and I worked 10 months on two 63 foot cement hull sail boats. Goal was to crew on one for our labor in an around the world cruise. Worked 10 months and the owner had a heart attack. He lived but the plan was scrapped and I didn't get to follow that dream.
Excessive material weight. And higher stresses in a multi that the cement can't handle. Strength to weight ratio in a multi is vital and the finished product would be a sea-slug.
Nice to have you back building. Most sailing channels repeat the same boring stuff. Showing the world that the adventures to follow are attainable for anyone makes a huge difference. I dare say it is why most of your followers started watching your channel. You two work very well as a team and your video documentaries are interesting and motivating. I’m sure many will follow in your footprints.
Hi Matt and Jess, I am so glad that at 62 I am too old to ever attempt this kind of craziness. Whereas U2 are young and have the time and inclination to create. I know Matt is active on cruisers and Sailor‘s forum, have you to given any thought to how you will protect yourself against Epoxy sensitivity? There is a fellow who’s handle is “Chotu” Who has become extremely Epoxy sensitive halfway through his build and now has big problems. Just a bit of proactive thought for my favorite TH-camrs.Cheers
It's a worry for sure.... especially since it's usually accumulative sensitivity and we haven't been the best in the past about protecting ourselves. Fortunately, if we do get a reaction, the designers do have options to switch to vinylester for the build. It would be heavier, but it can be at least finished. -Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 hi Matt, looking forward to your build 👍👍. am considering a project like this myself. On an average "guess" - what's the savings in cost to build the cat yourself? and also is the Kit supplied as to your specific design request?
You know I started watching sailing la vagabond when they had about as many subscribers as you do now ....look where they are now ..I am really looking forward to joining you on your boat build journey and I am sure many many more subscribers will too ...happy days
I admire you two for taking this on. What a daunting project. Keep your spirits up and good luck with it. It's something I am consider doing. I'll be watching!!!
Matt, you are a great teacher and know how to give descriptive 'word pictures' so we know what you are talking about. You and Jessica sure make a great team with your enthusiasm and positive supportive attitudes and comments.
Ocean youth sailing built a Schionning Arrow 1360 documenting the the build on youtube. Videos are in English explaining the build and in German ...end result...looks great.
Yes, we have been looking at their build a lot lately!! If it wasn't for the (rightfully so) self isolating going on right now (and if borders were open and there was no virus...), we'd be trying to figure a way to see it in person while we're so close. 🙂
Matt knows his shit which is why he impresses me. Watch his rebuild of Elements. Did it ALL himself with jess by his side. Lucky bloke. The right girl by your side and you can do anything.
I find this fascinating. The model at 7:50 was particularly helpful as it made what you were talking about come together in my mind. I look forward to seeing more of the build!
Be flexible! Situational awareness required. Banks may find themselves holding boats, even new ones when dealers fail and special orders go south. I saw this in 2008. Pennies on the dollar. You might be able to buy much more than you could have afforded just last week. Love you both!
Matt & Jess, fellow Michigander here and I've followed you for years...love you both! With that said, although you don't know me from Adam, please at least consider my advice here: we are entering a global recession/depression. Now is NOT the time to make such a financial commitment, when in fact, you'll be able to purchase the boat of your dreams here within the next few years for a fraction of the cost when originally purchased new or used. By the time you're going to start this project, you will have an extremely difficult time even selling your boat for anything close to what you consider fair value. I'm not trying to rain on your parade or seem like a doom and gloomer. Fact of the matter is that you should be saving every single dollar and preparing for the financial hardship of our generation. Keep Elements and give her all the amenities your heart desires, save your cash, and continue to explore the globe. As always, best of luck in whatever you choose.
I agree entirely. Try and sell elements but cash is king when buying a yacht in next two years. Absolute bargains will appear. They are luxury items to most owners and will need selling.
Actually that's not a bad idea. There's too many unknowns right now and no one is sure where our or the world's economy will go. Play it safe and hold onto your money or go for broke and spend?
That's why Jess said at the beginning that we are waiting to buy the kit. Nothing is set in stone until we wire the deposit and buy the plans. But just buying a boat isn't fun... we already have one of those. We really want the experience of building a boat. -Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 Are you looking forward to the itchies from cutting and sanding fiberglass? Nausea from the resins and the paint? Planning is more fun than actually having to execute all the steps.
@@mattjohnson6716 I bet you are Matt, but what an incredible opportunity mate, would be great to get Dan from MJ Sailing on board as he is a regular (Inspector Gadget).
@@mattjohnson6716 I would also love to see you and UMA doing a collaboration to build both your channels subscribers, its a win win for the both of you'se, but also SV Delos and Sailing La Vagabonde as they are both absolute incredible people, collaborations is where its at in order to grow your channel but I have been sharing like crazy, oh and I am a new patron
@@formhubfar Thanks so much Andy. Uma was all winter (until a day ago) about 100 yards away from us in the UK. They do such a good job that I doubt anyone that watches us doesn't already watch them... it would only be a win for us :) -Matt P.S Jess already made a cameo in their Christmas episode.
Wow, what a huge undertaking! If you haven’t already seen Onboard Lifestyles early videos of installing service conduits as part of the basic construction they go a long way to streamlining installation of cabling etc. Good luck, looking forward to watching your catamaran evolve
Wow what an undertaking. My father built his own yacht and it took a lot longer and cost a lot more than what he budgeted for at the start. I have no doubt you guys can do it. You are so talented in your video making whilst you have been sailing. I am sure you could monetise this by way of travel documentary or something similar so that you could buy a cat one day. Keep sailing as long as you can. You guys are the best.
Truth that is! I just finished a haul-out. I planned 2 weeks for the work. Then found need of a new prop shaft, then a crack in hull......Just splashed yesterday after 5 weeks. The plans of mice and men........stay away from boatyards, they will make you crazy.
Having built my own stitch and glue kayak, the most important thing I learned was that I would never build my own boat. But good luck with that. Wish you all the best with it. Always fun to watch other people dong it, but I’d rather be sailing on my plastic classic.
I built an F-9A, carbon over DuraCore, in the early 90's. It was one heck of a process that took 2 years. Building a strip planked boat like that is a huge undertaking so using those panels will save a lot of time. One very cool thing I discovered was regarding the peel-ply, Apparently a static energy builds up when the epoxy is drying. Try turning the lights off (or reducing them) when you pull off the peel-ply. It's almost like a light show when this static energy is released. Also when cleaning epoxy from tools and hands, etc, you can use vinegar instead of acetone. It is much less caustic and cheaper too. Acetone should still be used for anything you will need to bond to though. Very satisfying, when you are done, to kick most other boats butts in a boat that you built yourself...
Awesome boat! A F-39 was on my list, but since we live aboard, and hope to keep this boat for awhile, we want a bit more space. Also cool about the peel-ply. We'll have to give that a shot....and we'll have ample opportunity with all the miles of fiberglass tape we need to run. -Matt
Holy boatload of work Bat Man! Even the description has me exhausted and I've done some tough and crazy things in my life. Plan some $ for serious extra labourers, and work extra safe. You can't afford any lost man-hours for even simple things. Good luck!
Well, I'm knackered already 😴 Wish you the best of luck with everything. Thanks for taking us through the process of all that's involved. I've forgotten what it's like to have the GO to take on something that big, ha. You two will do it "no bother" I;m quite sure, and have a beautiful boat at the end of it. Ahead, Warp 8 Mr Sulu.
Watched again, read all the comments again, you have all the advice needed, suggested helping channels, NOW the long wait till you get started, this is going to be great.
I like both Grainger and Schionning. Beautiful designs from both. Orans I never drooled over the same way. Jeff’s son, Craig, has Spirited Designs and offers a pre-moulded bottom and deck-joint. It’s nice to have some curved surfaces instead of a angles. For the hull bottom it looks more like coming off a professional mold. I also believe it’s built in the upright direction so no flipping over the hulls.
Good luck on your project. I've followed you for years and know you have the skills to do it to completion , but I think your underestimating the time it will take. In 1965,when I was 25 years old I built a kit boat 25 ft. in length, they said it would take 500 hours to build. It took 1200 hours to build. Good luck and stay safe.
Thank you for the beautiful insights! Past years, I've been researching and designing a lot on the making of similar-sized catamaran from recycled thermoplastic and agricultural waste-materials for the composite. I'm also designing techniques for avoiding expensive molds. The beautiful thing with the materiality I'm working around is not only the recycled part, but also that it is extra resilient to impacts, and that it also has naturally great antifouling characteristics.
Good luck guys. Big job, lots of fun. We are currently building our new floating home in Turkey. 57 foot aluminium Marc Lombard design. We decided to use polypropylene honeycomb for the furniture to keep the weight down.
Hi guys and thanks for the overview. Just as getting the form alignment carefully correct as a foundation for a straight boat please start without using the terms fiberglass and epoxy resin interchangeably. For novices who will undoubtedly follow your build it will be a great help. It shouldn’t be hard if you start out correctly. Maybe if you are applying fiberglass cloth/mat you could (and I know over the build it will become a bit of a time hog) say we are applying fiberglass mat using epoxy resin. Maybe it’s just a pet peeve but if people(and they do now) continue to use the terms interchangeably then there will be a more novices applying the resins incorrectly and suffering the failures. Best wishes on the build, I know it will be exciting. Your videos of your travel this year have all been beautiful.
Great description of the process Matt , I think you definitely are aware of the work involved and ready for it. I was hoping to hear the hull panels are shipped as long pieces , precut ready for assembly . Just 4x8’s is just a variation on a plywood design converted to fiberglass panels. Being in the business of making tooling for large fiberglass products including boats my approach if using flat panels would be to build my own long flat mold and make by infusing my own exterior hull panels. ( flat infusion is easy!) The interior structure could be from precut designers 4x8 panels. Have not been impressed with some if these designs made from cut up strips of coated panels , it wastes a lot of strength building that way and way to much fairing . But it’s going to be fun to watch , and maybe help in some way! Cheers Warren
As much as I would love to have another build to follow, considering the pandemic we find ourselves in, I am thinking it might we wise to hold off a couple months to see how everything shakes out. Best case, everything calms down and you guys order a kit, or worst case, the economy tanks, and 500K cats are up on the market for 100K.... Either way, I will be watching along the way!
If you caught my (Jessica's) intro at the start of the video, I do mention that we are still early in the planning stages, and months away from making the purchase of the kit. We'll keep an eye on the economy and see how things are doing this summer/fall, but that is no reason to stop ourselves from still planning right now. 😉
@@MJSailing Haha sorry to be such a debby downer, and yes I caught the intro. I just know that sometimes plans change, and you might end up ordering a kit earlier than expected. Either way, I can't wait to watch all the adventures to come. Keep up the great work!!!
Definitely in good spirits. Whisky, rum... and even a few beers. Corona, naturally... Oh, and I am really looking forward to seeing the build process. It's going to be awesome!
I am absolutely delighted with this new content direction. I have enjoyed your globetrotting, but my favourite stuff was when you were renovating Elements.
Admire the guts it take to start a project like this. Having done comparable constructions designs (aircraft not boats), take your time early in the build, to plan your pluming and electric infrastructure. If possible put in tubing to draw cables through and have lines ready inside them to pull cables. A well designed system will facilitate maintenance and future changes. All this is easiest done if you can avoid having to crawl through tight spaces later. Looking forward to follow your progress.
use the flexisanders to all your sanding and fairing. I found out about them watching saillife. they were a game changer. Now I get a professional look every time on large jobs. Also check out life on the mold he uses a spray system for all fiberglass and gel coat(50gal). I got a 1 gal cup gun from the fiberglass store. Paint is an option but when you are taking on a job as big as you are do the right thing first so you have no regrets later. some people will not agree but I rebuild wave runners and gel coat on a bottom will last much longer and provide more protection than paint. Just a suggestion but look into reinforcing the keels so you can ground the boat as needed rather than haul out it will save you a butt load of money, time, and fear (fear from running a ground). I can't wait to see your build! PS during your build watch for those items you might need spares of and build a few extra while your doing it.
Thanks David. There are curves of course, but since this boat is mostly flat panels with hard chines, I figured a semi-stiff fairing board would be best. We'll have to see if there will be value in buying a Flexiboard... they aren't cheap. While I know gelcoat "can" be used over epoxy with proper prep, it's been hammered into my head for so many years that poly over epoxy is bad and to be avoided (even though Awlgrip and all 2-pack paints are Polyester Urethane). Luckily, that's a long way away and we have plenty of time to be dissuaded. -Matt
The 'Life on the mould' guy is building from a mould, that is why he is using gel-coat. It is a totally different process building a kit boat. No gel-coat.
I love learning from various sailing cat channels, and this has to be the biggest challenge I've seen. I can't help be curious about costs - it sounds more expensive to build than it does to buy gently used!
Scott Slotterbeck of course! I’m assuming they really know what they are doing if they can build it better than a manufacturer who’s been doing it 30+ years. I look forward to the progress!
that is a MASSIVE ikea type building project. i find it mind boggling and can't wait to see it in progress once you pick out your building site and design.
Beauty the scenery is so beautiful and stunning.Very enjoyable! Reminds me of my trips where I take the good music like the Guns N Roses, Imagine Draongs or the Delta Parole and then enjoy the powerful feeling of the sea. ¡vamos!
What a daunting task. I wonder how often you’re going to say “Oops “ (or something stronger) during the course of this build. It’s going to be fun tagging along. If you haven’t already you need to check out Madds from Sail Life. He used a unique tool for fairing and sanding. One of the tools was power. Andy from Boatworks Today also picked up the same set. While still a tortuous task these tools significantly lessened the pain. I’m sure someone here can recall the name and supplier of these gadgets. You can also get some great tips on ventilation and dust extraction from Boatworks Today.
They, and do many others, will greatly benefit from comments like yours. I hope i will at some time in my life. Which shortens every day. While young, go for it! Your knees may feel wiggly before you know it.
I really like the looks of the Felxisander, but like every good quality tool, the price is expensive... we'll just have to see if it is in our budget vs just our homemade board. -Matt
JCAJCA3 And his boat was built in FL from an assembled curved panel ( all the same panel shape!), Less racy but way more room and still light wt and fast!
Good luck with this build and if I may make a suggestion. Once you have the ‘shed’ built and prior to any boat building effort set and fix 3 battens (longer than the LOA of the cat) to the floor. The first to be fixed on the approximate centre line of the shed and the other two parallel to the centre line batten and set at either the extreme beam/2 measurement or the centrelines of the hulls. Once firmly fixed you can mark out some reference points with the aid of laser and a tape measure. This will pay off in spades when setting out the hulls.
Good idea. We're most likely going to be building this on an uneven surface, so any reference points we can permanently establish will be helpful. Matt
Fun to see this video available today! Thank you. And beautiful intro to this one, too. This was exciting to listen to and Matt did a great job with your photo montage. I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety for you. I'm really looking forward to following you two on this build journey. As you know, here in the states, we're getting our chance to experience the COVID-19 saga. I'm in California, San Jose, where we're doing the "shelter in place". As we were doing this, I realized, and feeling mildly inconvenienced, that you and Matt would be pros at this with your ocean crossings, etc. So what seems like a "big" deal here is less demanding than trying to navigate the open seas at the same time. So I've got a better attitude about it now. And you guys are a great team. We tried to do a batch of peanut butter cookies the other day and it wasn't exactly our finest team moment...although now I have 48 cookies on emergency backup rations!! Looking forward to the live session, see you then. Stay well.
You did a terrific job on this video, and I really like your thoughtful planning process (similar to mine lol). I love the Schionning designs, terrific performance. Really looking forward to you starting the build process.
Thanks for the education! I have an LS swapped Mazda B2200 (NA) and I am planning on building a second Mazda B2200 K24 swapped TURBO truck. Now I know what to be looking for in a donor car for the engine.
Wow! I wish I had the passion for any hobby in my life that you have for this upcoming project. I’m excited for you. But just thinking about all the work makes me want to take a nap.
If you've built before, I'm sure you've used a water level. If not, get one and learn to use it. It's basically just clear plastic tubing about 1/4"-3/8" diameter x about 45-50' long (for your 40' boat). Although the newfangled laser levels will be great in a lot of cases, the handy-dandy clear plastic tubing is hard to beat - I brought this up because you mentioned in several times how critical leveling is.
OMG you guys are brave and young. If we were to take on a project like that, which I admit would be fun, we would probably run out of life force because we could cruise again. Have fun and we will watch from a distance.
Yeah I spoke to Grainger and the first thing he asked was "How much money do you have?" Which grated my budget was not sufficient but when I told him he wished me well and sent me on my way politely...
His kit is more expensive than the others- and he hasn't been nearly as receptive or welcoming either- I just wish I didn't like the Raku 44 so much :) -Matt
Bob Stienke and Rossco is doing it in moulds, so No fairing. He’s also been working with glass for a long time. It’ll be interesting to watch this build!
Clearly you guys have had solid exposure to glass work, which great. One thing with epoxies though is dermatitis with exposure to sanding dust, especially on such a scale as this. I have built several epoxy sheathed sea kayaks as well as a 30 ft deep vee, foam cored cruiser and skin reaction to sanding dust can be profound with prolonged exposure! The other catch with epoxies is amine blush and building in a humid environment can really hasten this. Less of an issue for you guys on the flat panels, but an issue with tabbing over previous layups. So best of luck and I am sure you will pull it off, but it is one hell of a project...
If you haven't already, you should look at another TH-camr called life on the hills. You really need to see his work because he also explains the chemistry comparability between epoxy and traditional fiberglass chemicals. His work is almost too hard to believe one individual could have this much knowledge. His boat build has been going for two years.
Hey just wanted to say the two of you are really an amazing team, cruisers, bloggers, and craftsmen. Good luck with the Cat. Matt, I sense that there is an engineer inside of you. I don't think either of you have shared much of your back story as professionals yet. Stay healthy.
Hey just watching your video I was born just behind you some 70 years ago a long time before the marina and apartments where built I could Wright a book about the area you are in now , I still live in Plymouth now and regularly go fishing down there , Regards john🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
I built my own 2,000 sw ft. house, and will never do it again. It was super time consuming, required updates for the next 5 years or so full of stressful moments, still required contractors for most things, and the costs were around 20% higher than planned. I now own a 1992 50' Riva motor yacht (I'm overseas with the military ). In 1992, this boat sold for 1.2 million US. I know this boat inside out now and I can say unequivocally, I could never afford to build such a high quality boat myself. The hull is super solid - like brand new even after 28 years. I could not replicate what Riva did, the thickness of the materials, double teak decks, etc. The engineering and designing is masterful down to the way still super tight light panels slip into place so they will never rattle. The joinery is top grade. I've replaced many mechanical items - like the generator, batteries and battery chargers, navigation equipment, etc. Engines only have 400 hours on them. When I finally retire onto a trawler or power Cat, I will purchase an older, vey high quality used one that I know will outlast anything I could build myself. But you two are young, and you will learn a lot from this experience. And you seem to be prepared for the long haul. Also, everyone's experience is different. You might just end up with the boat of your dreams. Good luck!
I've been watching you for quite awhile now but it's still a shock to see those old photos. You were just babies!! I fully intend to watch the boat build. In 1973 my friends and I worked 10 months on two 63 foot cement hull sail boats. Goal was to crew on one for our labor in an around the world cruise. Worked 10 months and the owner had a heart attack. He lived but the plan was scrapped and I didn't get to follow that dream.
I wonder why there are no cement catamarans?
Excessive material weight. And higher stresses in a multi that the cement can't handle. Strength to weight ratio in a multi is vital and the finished product would be a sea-slug.
Nice to have you back building. Most sailing channels repeat the same boring stuff. Showing the world that the adventures to follow are attainable for anyone makes a huge difference. I dare say it is why most of your followers started watching your channel. You two work very well as a team and your video documentaries are interesting and motivating. I’m sure many will follow in your footprints.
1. Grainger, 2. Schionning my two most favorite catamaran designers (in that order). Great choice folks! I love latest Grainger designs.
Do you have any idea about one project price including fabrication drawings?
@@SC-vw1nx We'll go over in detail later, but the Grainger kit is almost double the price of the Schionning kit. -Matt
From memory a Dix, 47' was about 120 k in oz$. That was the CNC cut kit in ply, plus epoxy. My favorite build.
Hi Matt and Jess, I am so glad that at 62 I am too old to ever attempt this kind of craziness. Whereas U2 are young and have the time and inclination to create. I know Matt is active on cruisers and Sailor‘s forum, have you to given any thought to how you will protect yourself against Epoxy sensitivity? There is a fellow who’s handle is “Chotu” Who has become extremely Epoxy sensitive halfway through his build and now has big problems. Just a bit of proactive thought for my favorite TH-camrs.Cheers
It's a worry for sure.... especially since it's usually accumulative sensitivity and we haven't been the best in the past about protecting ourselves. Fortunately, if we do get a reaction, the designers do have options to switch to vinylester for the build. It would be heavier, but it can be at least finished. -Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 switching chemistry mid build is not optimal. Just start with vinyl ester.
@@mattjohnson6716 hi Matt, looking forward to your build 👍👍. am considering a project like this myself. On an average "guess" - what's the savings in cost to build the cat yourself? and also is the Kit supplied as to your specific design request?
You know I started watching sailing la vagabond when they had about as many subscribers as you do now ....look where they are now ..I am really looking forward to joining you on your boat build journey and I am sure many many more subscribers will too ...happy days
You certainly have my respect for tackling a job of that magnitude. I know you are up for it. I'm wishing you nothing but an enjoyable experience.
I admire you two for taking this on. What a daunting project. Keep your spirits up and good luck with it. It's something I am consider doing. I'll be watching!!!
Matt, you are a great teacher and know how to give descriptive 'word pictures' so we know what you are talking about. You and Jessica sure make a great team with your enthusiasm and positive supportive attitudes and comments.
Ocean youth sailing built a Schionning Arrow 1360 documenting the the build on youtube. Videos are in English explaining the build and in German ...end result...looks great.
Yes, we have been looking at their build a lot lately!! If it wasn't for the (rightfully so) self isolating going on right now (and if borders were open and there was no virus...), we'd be trying to figure a way to see it in person while we're so close. 🙂
Aye m8's, wow this is one of the best go-throughs I ever have seen! Matt your voice and your trustworthy way of explaining is really in another level.
Matt knows his shit which is why he impresses me. Watch his rebuild of Elements. Did it ALL himself with jess by his side. Lucky bloke. The right girl by your side and you can do anything.
I find this fascinating. The model at 7:50 was particularly helpful as it made what you were talking about come together in my mind. I look forward to seeing more of the build!
Be flexible! Situational awareness required. Banks may find themselves holding boats, even new ones when dealers fail and special orders go south. I saw this in 2008. Pennies on the dollar. You might be able to buy much more than you could have afforded just last week. Love you both!
you both are in my thoughts and prayers to weather this crisis and return safely home for your new project......with love from texas...
If anyone can build a boat, you two can, for sure. I was very impressed with what you did with Elements.
For sure teal on sv basic does the finest really nice work ,with beautiful molded curves etc.
Thanks David!
@@tealgoben1781 hi mate its true hope you and your family are well .
Matt & Jess, fellow Michigander here and I've followed you for years...love you both! With that said, although you don't know me from Adam, please at least consider my advice here: we are entering a global recession/depression. Now is NOT the time to make such a financial commitment, when in fact, you'll be able to purchase the boat of your dreams here within the next few years for a fraction of the cost when originally purchased new or used. By the time you're going to start this project, you will have an extremely difficult time even selling your boat for anything close to what you consider fair value. I'm not trying to rain on your parade or seem like a doom and gloomer. Fact of the matter is that you should be saving every single dollar and preparing for the financial hardship of our generation. Keep Elements and give her all the amenities your heart desires, save your cash, and continue to explore the globe. As always, best of luck in whatever you choose.
I agree entirely. Try and sell elements but cash is king when buying a yacht in next two years. Absolute bargains will appear. They are luxury items to most owners and will need selling.
Actually that's not a bad idea. There's too many unknowns right now and no one is sure where our or the world's economy will go. Play it safe and hold onto your money or go for broke and spend?
That's why Jess said at the beginning that we are waiting to buy the kit. Nothing is set in stone until we wire the deposit and buy the plans. But just buying a boat isn't fun... we already have one of those. We really want the experience of building a boat. -Matt
matt johnson then wait for the guys selling kits to lower there price, they will believe me.
@@mattjohnson6716 Are you looking forward to the itchies from cutting and sanding fiberglass? Nausea from the resins and the paint? Planning is more fun than actually having to execute all the steps.
So looking forward to seeing you building your new boat. Good luck x
My head is thumping just thinking about the enormity of this project but really looking forward to watching it all come together.
I'm getting itchy just thinking about it :) -Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 I bet you are Matt, but what an incredible opportunity mate, would be great to get Dan from MJ Sailing on board as he is a regular (Inspector Gadget).
@@mattjohnson6716 I would also love to see you and UMA doing a collaboration to build both your channels subscribers, its a win win for the both of you'se, but also SV Delos and Sailing La Vagabonde as they are both absolute incredible people, collaborations is where its at in order to grow your channel but I have been sharing like crazy, oh and I am a new patron
@@formhubfar Thanks so much Andy. Uma was all winter (until a day ago) about 100 yards away from us in the UK. They do such a good job that I doubt anyone that watches us doesn't already watch them... it would only be a win for us :) -Matt P.S Jess already made a cameo in their Christmas episode.
Wow, what a huge undertaking! If you haven’t already seen Onboard Lifestyles early videos of installing service conduits as part of the basic construction they go a long way to streamlining installation of cabling etc. Good luck, looking forward to watching your catamaran evolve
Wow what an undertaking. My father built his own yacht and it took a lot longer and cost a lot more than what he budgeted for at the start. I have no doubt you guys can do it.
You are so talented in your video making whilst you have been sailing. I am sure you could monetise this by way of travel documentary or something similar so that you could buy a cat one day. Keep sailing as long as you can. You guys are the best.
Truth that is! I just finished a haul-out. I planned 2 weeks for the work. Then found need of a new prop shaft, then a crack in hull......Just splashed yesterday after 5 weeks. The plans of mice and men........stay away from boatyards, they will make you crazy.
Having built my own stitch and glue kayak, the most important thing I learned was that I would never build my own boat. But good luck with that. Wish you all the best with it. Always fun to watch other people dong it, but I’d rather be sailing on my plastic classic.
I built an F-9A, carbon over DuraCore, in the early 90's. It was one heck of a process that took 2 years. Building a strip planked boat like that is a huge undertaking so using those panels will save a lot of time. One very cool thing I discovered was regarding the peel-ply, Apparently a static energy builds up when the epoxy is drying. Try turning the lights off (or reducing them) when you pull off the peel-ply. It's almost like a light show when this static energy is released. Also when cleaning epoxy from tools and hands, etc, you can use vinegar instead of acetone. It is much less caustic and cheaper too. Acetone should still be used for anything you will need to bond to though. Very satisfying, when you are done, to kick most other boats butts in a boat that you built yourself...
Awesome boat! A F-39 was on my list, but since we live aboard, and hope to keep this boat for awhile, we want a bit more space. Also cool about the peel-ply. We'll have to give that a shot....and we'll have ample opportunity with all the miles of fiberglass tape we need to run. -Matt
This is going to be awesome to watch you two build a Cat!
I can feel the enthusiasm , Lets get started..
Thanks for sharing i am looking forward to the build.
Holy boatload of work Bat Man! Even the description has me exhausted and I've done some tough and crazy things in my life. Plan some $ for serious extra labourers, and work extra safe. You can't afford any lost man-hours for even simple things. Good luck!
Thanks for a really good overview of building a fiberglass plastic composite kit catamaran.
This should be interesting. I am looking forward to following this build just as I enjoyed your efforts on elements.
Well, I'm knackered already 😴 Wish you the best of luck with everything. Thanks for taking us through the process of all that's involved. I've forgotten what it's like to have the GO to take on something that big, ha. You two will do it "no bother" I;m quite sure, and have a beautiful boat at the end of it. Ahead, Warp 8 Mr Sulu.
Really looking forward to the build can't wait best of luck Garry/Ireland
This going to be very interesting, in my 60s so I hope I live long enough to see you finish.
Me too. Really want to see this splash. And another moon landing would be nice too.
Goodluck
Matt is geeking out and that’s great. I’m looking forward to following the build and wish you both the very best👍
Just discovered your vids this morning. Very well done!! Be back soon for more. Stay safe.
Yes ya got skills Matt, and you are going to need them, and time!
Looking forward to your continued journey. Good health and God bless you both.
Best of luck on your build! Can't wait for a great series.
Watched again, read all the comments again, you have all the advice needed, suggested helping channels, NOW the long wait till you get started, this is going to be great.
I like both Grainger and Schionning. Beautiful designs from both. Orans I never drooled over the same way. Jeff’s son, Craig, has Spirited Designs and offers a pre-moulded bottom and deck-joint. It’s nice to have some curved surfaces instead of a angles. For the hull bottom it looks more like coming off a professional mold. I also believe it’s built in the upright direction so no flipping over the hulls.
Good luck on your project. I've followed you for years and know you have the skills to do it to completion , but I think your underestimating the time it will take. In 1965,when I was 25 years old I built a kit boat 25 ft. in length, they said it would take 500 hours to build. It took 1200 hours to build. Good luck and stay safe.
Our first dinghy took twice as long to build too. Just like build a second one, everyone reassures me that the second hull goes twice as fast. -Matt
Thank you for the beautiful insights! Past years, I've been researching and designing a lot on the making of similar-sized catamaran from recycled thermoplastic and agricultural waste-materials for the composite. I'm also designing techniques for avoiding expensive molds. The beautiful thing with the materiality I'm working around is not only the recycled part, but also that it is extra resilient to impacts, and that it also has naturally great antifouling characteristics.
Will DEFINITELY be watching. I LOVE build videos.
So look forward to your build
Good luck guys. Big job, lots of fun. We are currently building our new floating home in Turkey. 57 foot aluminium Marc Lombard design. We decided to use polypropylene honeycomb for the furniture to keep the weight down.
Futuna 57? I though those were done in Poland? He's a great designer with a wonderful eye. I've always loved the RMs. Matt
Schionning have great build plans and are awesome boats
Very excited to watch you make great progress! Will be a fantastic feeling when you get her on the water for the first time! Good luck!!
Looking forward to your new adventures, stay healthy!
This will be quite the build. Looking forward to it. Wishing you the best of luuck.
Hi guys and thanks for the overview. Just as getting the form alignment carefully correct as a foundation for a straight boat please start without using the terms fiberglass and epoxy resin interchangeably. For novices who will undoubtedly follow your build it will be a great help. It shouldn’t be hard if you start out correctly. Maybe if you are applying fiberglass cloth/mat you could (and I know over the build it will become a bit of a time hog) say we are applying fiberglass mat using epoxy resin. Maybe it’s just a pet peeve but if people(and they do now) continue to use the terms interchangeably then there will be a more novices applying the resins incorrectly and suffering the failures. Best wishes on the build, I know it will be exciting. Your videos of your travel this year have all been beautiful.
loved your last set of videos on restoring your last boat cant wait to see you build a catamaran!!!
Great description of the process Matt , I think you definitely are aware of the work involved and ready for it.
I was hoping to hear the hull panels are shipped as long pieces , precut ready for assembly . Just 4x8’s is just a variation on a plywood design converted to fiberglass panels. Being in the business of making tooling for large fiberglass products including boats my approach if using flat panels would be to build my own long flat mold and make by infusing my own exterior hull panels. ( flat infusion is easy!) The interior structure could be from precut designers 4x8 panels.
Have not been impressed with some if these designs made from cut up strips of coated panels , it wastes a lot of strength building that way and way to much fairing .
But it’s going to be fun to watch , and maybe help in some way! Cheers Warren
Both excited and scared for you too, a good direction for the channel I think
As much as I would love to have another build to follow, considering the pandemic we find ourselves in, I am thinking it might we wise to hold off a couple months to see how everything shakes out. Best case, everything calms down and you guys order a kit, or worst case, the economy tanks, and 500K cats are up on the market for 100K.... Either way, I will be watching along the way!
If you caught my (Jessica's) intro at the start of the video, I do mention that we are still early in the planning stages, and months away from making the purchase of the kit. We'll keep an eye on the economy and see how things are doing this summer/fall, but that is no reason to stop ourselves from still planning right now. 😉
@@MJSailing Haha sorry to be such a debby downer, and yes I caught the intro. I just know that sometimes plans change, and you might end up ordering a kit earlier than expected. Either way, I can't wait to watch all the adventures to come. Keep up the great work!!!
Definitely in good spirits. Whisky, rum... and even a few beers. Corona, naturally... Oh, and I am really looking forward to seeing the build process. It's going to be awesome!
I am absolutely delighted with this new content direction. I have enjoyed your globetrotting, but my favourite stuff was when you were renovating Elements.
WOW! I look forward to seeing this all done. Best of luck to you both.
Sounds like such a daunting task. Looking forward to following along as you progress to a seaworthy craft. The reward should be well worth the effort!
Im excited for you both and cat too....
Wow. A lot of work. Good luck. Looking forward to the journey
Admire the guts it take to start a project like this. Having done comparable constructions designs (aircraft not boats), take your time early in the build, to plan your pluming and electric infrastructure. If possible put in tubing to draw cables through and have lines ready inside them to pull cables. A well designed system will facilitate maintenance and future changes. All this is easiest done if you can avoid having to crawl through tight spaces later. Looking forward to follow your progress.
use the flexisanders to all your sanding and fairing. I found out about them watching saillife. they were a game changer. Now I get a professional look every time on large jobs. Also check out life on the mold he uses a spray system for all fiberglass and gel coat(50gal). I got a 1 gal cup gun from the fiberglass store. Paint is an option but when you are taking on a job as big as you are do the right thing first so you have no regrets later. some people will not agree but I rebuild wave runners and gel coat on a bottom will last much longer and provide more protection than paint. Just a suggestion but look into reinforcing the keels so you can ground the boat as needed rather than haul out it will save you a butt load of money, time, and fear (fear from running a ground). I can't wait to see your build! PS during your build watch for those items you might need spares of and build a few extra while your doing it.
Thanks David. There are curves of course, but since this boat is mostly flat panels with hard chines, I figured a semi-stiff fairing board would be best. We'll have to see if there will be value in buying a Flexiboard... they aren't cheap.
While I know gelcoat "can" be used over epoxy with proper prep, it's been hammered into my head for so many years that poly over epoxy is bad and to be avoided (even though Awlgrip and all 2-pack paints are Polyester Urethane). Luckily, that's a long way away and we have plenty of time to be dissuaded.
-Matt
The 'Life on the mould' guy is building from a mould, that is why he is using gel-coat. It is a totally different process building a kit boat. No gel-coat.
This is going to be a lot of fun......
I love learning from various sailing cat channels, and this has to be the biggest challenge I've seen. I can't help be curious about costs - it sounds more expensive to build than it does to buy gently used!
Yeah, but they can build it the way they want.
Scott Slotterbeck of course! I’m assuming they really know what they are doing if they can build it better than a manufacturer who’s been doing it 30+ years. I look forward to the progress!
that is a MASSIVE ikea type building project. i find it mind boggling and can't wait to see it in progress once you pick out your building site and design.
Beauty the scenery is so beautiful and stunning.Very enjoyable! Reminds me of my trips where I take the good music like the Guns N Roses, Imagine Draongs or the Delta Parole and then enjoy the powerful feeling of the sea. ¡vamos!
What a daunting task. I wonder how often you’re going to say “Oops “ (or something stronger) during the course of this build. It’s going to be fun tagging along.
If you haven’t already you need to check out Madds from Sail Life. He used a unique tool for fairing and sanding. One of the tools was power. Andy from Boatworks Today also picked up the same set. While still a tortuous task these tools significantly lessened the pain. I’m sure someone here can recall the name and supplier of these gadgets. You can also get some great tips on ventilation and dust extraction from Boatworks Today.
They, and do many others, will greatly benefit from comments like yours. I hope i will at some time in my life. Which shortens every day. While young, go for it!
Your knees may feel wiggly before you know it.
In that vain I would also check with Teal (On board Lifestyle). He has just about rebuilt his Cat. GOD speed. JC
I really like the looks of the Felxisander, but like every good quality tool, the price is expensive... we'll just have to see if it is in our budget vs just our homemade board. -Matt
JCAJCA3 And his boat was built in FL from an assembled curved panel ( all the same panel shape!), Less racy but way more room and still light wt and fast!
Madds is the man for doing fiberglass and doing everything with building/renovating a sail boat.
Good luck with this build and if I may make a suggestion. Once you have the ‘shed’ built and prior to any boat building effort set and fix 3 battens (longer than the LOA of the cat) to the floor. The first to be fixed on the approximate centre line of the shed and the other two parallel to the centre line batten and set at either the extreme beam/2 measurement or the centrelines of the hulls.
Once firmly fixed you can mark out some reference points with the aid of laser and a tape measure. This will pay off in spades when setting out the hulls.
Good idea. We're most likely going to be building this on an uneven surface, so any reference points we can permanently establish will be helpful.
Matt
very helpful loved the video and it was really well done. Thank you so much cannot wait to see what happens within the next few years :)
At the ready for the next two years!!
Awesome project folks! Nothing too big you can't tackle hein!!?
We love you guys... Be safe and God speed
Fun to see this video available today! Thank you. And beautiful intro to this one, too.
This was exciting to listen to and Matt did a great job with your photo montage. I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety for you. I'm really looking forward to following you two on this build journey.
As you know, here in the states, we're getting our chance to experience the COVID-19 saga. I'm in California, San Jose, where we're doing the "shelter in place". As we were doing this, I realized, and feeling mildly inconvenienced, that you and Matt would be pros at this with your ocean crossings, etc. So what seems like a "big" deal here is less demanding than trying to navigate the open seas at the same time. So I've got a better attitude about it now.
And you guys are a great team. We tried to do a batch of peanut butter cookies the other day and it wasn't exactly our finest team moment...although now I have 48 cookies on emergency backup rations!!
Looking forward to the live session, see you then. Stay well.
I can't wait to see this process!! I've wanted to do this too!
You did a terrific job on this video, and I really like your thoughtful planning process (similar to mine lol). I love the Schionning designs, terrific performance. Really looking forward to you starting the build process.
Can’t wait to see y’all start this..⛵️
Can't wait to see it all . This is going to be so exciting
Wow,this sounds like a really big job. I am very much looking forward to this.Amazing that you are tackling such a job. All the best :)
Thanks for the education! I have an LS swapped Mazda B2200 (NA) and I am planning on building a second Mazda B2200 K24 swapped TURBO truck. Now I know what to be looking for in a donor car for the engine.
Wow! I wish I had the passion for any hobby in my life that you have for this upcoming project. I’m excited for you. But just thinking about all the work makes me want to take a nap.
If you've built before, I'm sure you've used a water level. If not, get one and learn to use it. It's basically just clear plastic tubing about 1/4"-3/8" diameter x about 45-50' long (for your 40' boat). Although the newfangled laser levels will be great in a lot of cases, the handy-dandy clear plastic tubing is hard to beat - I brought this up because you mentioned in several times how critical leveling is.
wow that great work is sailed with fun
OMG you guys are brave and young. If we were to take on a project like that, which I admit would be fun, we would probably run out of life force because we could cruise again. Have fun and we will watch from a distance.
Yeah I spoke to Grainger and the first thing he asked was "How much money do you have?" Which grated my budget was not sufficient but when I told him he wished me well and sent me on my way politely...
His kit is more expensive than the others- and he hasn't been nearly as receptive or welcoming either- I just wish I didn't like the Raku 44 so much :) -Matt
I thought scioning was exy at 20 k for plans
That's flipping awesome.
Really looking forward to the build. Go Blue to my fellow Michiganders
This will be epic. I salute you.
I wish you luck and looking forward to the build. I think you'll get a lot of subs during this adventure.
Life on the hulls is also building. He seems very detail oriented and may be able to offer some help
Check in with Ross on “Life on the Hulls” with his cat build down under. What a task! Best of luck!
Amen! He is a great source.
Bob Stienke and Rossco is doing it in moulds, so No fairing. He’s also been working with glass for a long time. It’ll be interesting to watch this build!
Best wishes in your endeavor. 👍⚓️ It's a good thing you are both young and want to do this thing !! Yet we know you will do kt and do it well !!!
Wild Thing looks WILD! You guys are inspiring!
=One Love=
-A
Clearly you guys have had solid exposure to glass work, which great. One thing with epoxies though is dermatitis with exposure to sanding dust, especially on such a scale as this. I have built several epoxy sheathed sea kayaks as well as a 30 ft deep vee, foam cored cruiser and skin reaction to sanding dust can be profound with prolonged exposure! The other catch with epoxies is amine blush and building in a humid environment can really hasten this. Less of an issue for you guys on the flat panels, but an issue with tabbing over previous layups. So best of luck and I am sure you will pull it off, but it is one hell of a project...
Awesome! Fired Up for your Future Videos.
If you haven't already, you should look at another TH-camr called life on the hills. You really need to see his work because he also explains the chemistry comparability between epoxy and traditional fiberglass chemicals. His work is almost too hard to believe one individual could have this much knowledge. His boat build has been going for two years.
th-cam.com/video/DPufH5evejg/w-d-xo.html "Life on the Hulls"
He also has many years of f glass experience building kayaks.
Really looking forward to this, I can only guess what your excitement is like. Best of Luck !!
All the best on the build.
Hey just wanted to say the two of you are really an amazing team, cruisers, bloggers, and craftsmen. Good luck with the Cat. Matt, I sense that there is an engineer inside of you. I don't think either of you have shared much of your back story as professionals yet. Stay healthy.
Great explanation. Looking forward to watching your build.
Measure thrice, cut once.
Have fun! 8 )
That's the best part... the cutting is done for you before the kit ships. -Matt
Hey just watching your video I was born just behind you some 70 years ago a long time before the marina and apartments where built I could Wright a book about the area you are in now , I still live in Plymouth now and regularly go fishing down there , Regards john🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
I'm looking forward to your build.
Looking forward to the build 👍🏻💪🏻💪🏻
If I were 20 years younger, and 20 years more healthy, this is something I would love to do. Good on you guys.
In my case 40 years younger! I agree I would have loved to do this, but at 10,000 ft in the Rocky Mountains. there isn't much water for a 40 footer.