#boatproject

[buildingmvdauntless]

The Beginning of Our Journey!

I am new to this whole blog thing, hopefully this will get better with time.

     It all began about a year ago, we were sitting on our center console boat at the marina daydreaming about being able to sleep on our boat. We were fantasizing about taking week long trips and being able to go on multi day fishing adventures. Most of all we wanted to be able to comfortably take our fur babies along for the adventure. In casual conversation, I made a joke about building a boat. Unfortunately, Cassie is just as crazy as I am and here we are today.

    I knew from the start that this would be a long journey. We spent about 6 months doing extensive research on different boats, designs, and various features that we wanted to include in our vessel. We purchased a few different study prints, and 2 sets of full prints, only to realize they weren’t a great fit for us. Although we wasted money on prints, we will probably never use, we finally figured out what we wanted.

     Spirited Designs, from Australia, had a boat that we could see ourselves building. It is a 23′ power catamaran with a sleek design. Catamarans are, by nature, stable in the water and fuel efficient. Being trailer-able was also a big feature for us. We reached out to Craig Schionning and asked if there was a  way to extend his design.  We agreed on two feet overall length and more interior headroom. He was quite happy to work with us on the alterations of the plans. We made payment for the prints, it took a couple of months for the alterations, and to actually receive our plans from across the globe. During this time we did even more research. We came to the conclusion that we had no idea what we were doing.

          During all the research, we decided we should document everything involved. We would do a video log of all aspects of the build process, including what we have learned, and share it with friends and family. This would not only help keep everyone up to date on our build, but will also help explain everything that is involved in doing a project of this scale. It will also be a memoir of sorts for us to look back on in the future. (I may be biased, but I think Cassie does an amazing job sorting through hours of video, multiple takes, different camera angles, as well as various bloopers. She also adds voice-overs and music to the videos to give them a finished feel. We are currently posting videos on YouTube for everyone to see. Please go over there and give us a thumbs up. She works extremely hard and does an amazing job.)

     Gazing out of a frosty window dreaming about the start of the build there was still a lot of work to be done. First we had nowhere to build this boat. During our research of different boat build projects I came across a video of “Six Points Wood Works” out of upstate New York. He had built a plastic wrapped, Gothic arch structure. We decided to go this route because it was cost effective and it was a fairly easy design. I submitted my prints to the local building inspector, and after a little bit of back and forth we were issued a permit. On some of the coldest nights of the winter, we persevered in digging holes for footings and cutting and assembling the arches. After standing everything up, we were finally able wrap it all in a heavy duty plastic. Ultimately we have built a 32′ long by 14′ wide Gothic arch structure.  A feat by itself, we now have a place to build our vessel.

      The next challenge would would have to overcome would be the work benches. If you should order this kit through Spirited, the panels you will receive are fiber glassed with the proper amount of glass for the associated piece. Unfortunately, we will have to do this process ourselves. We decided to build a bench long enough to accommodate the longest panels of the boat. After the panels are glassed, we will cut the legs off and reuse as a platform to set up the forms to wrap all of the flat panels around. This essentially shapes the hull.

       Aside from watching YouTube videos, neither of us had ever done fiber glassing before. This is where “the box” comes in. On our current boat there is an awkward step in front of the console. Last year we built a box to level off the floor, allowing us to make cushions and give us a place to relax while at anchor. Unfortunately, we didn't have access to marine grade plywood so I had to use what was available. The plywood de-laminated after about a year of salt and sun, and needed to be replaced. This would be the perfect little project to learn on. 

      We were able to source some materials equivalent to what the boat would be made of, and started there. The first attempt wasn't a complete disaster but there were more than “some” air bubbles in our fiberglass work. We tried again on the reverse side of the panel with a different resin and had much better results. After some time testing materials and processes, we decided to use the cheap insulation foam from our local box store. I know some of you are thinking, why cheap out on materials?  Ultimately this box will be given with the boat when it is sold. If it lasts a few years until the new boat is done, it will have done its job. The money saved on this learning curve will be reallocated to the new boat. This is also why we didn't paint the box. Realistically the box is under cushions 90% of the time and the small area that does show doesn't bother us. If in the future we feel differently, we can remedy it.

      During this small project, we entered into March 2020. As the world knows Covid-19 started to circulate. This has wreaked havoc on our order for boat materials. With foam core construction, you basically take a specialized sheet of foam and layer fiberglass and resin on both sides. With the right combination of materials and densities this becomes an extremely durable, lightweight panel. Unfortunately, our foam has been delayed overseas.

     This brings us to present day. we have decided to start laying out the forms that will shape the boat. We know that we are creating more work for ourselves, but at least we are progressing on the build. Neither of us have ever taken on a personal project of this scale, and one of the biggest concerns is loosing motivation or momentum. We will layout, cut, and dry fit all of the forms, before breaking everything down and putting into storage until we are ready for them again.

      My final thought of the day: we are doing all of this documenting to share this experience with friends and family. Cassie is diligently working on videos, and I have started this blog to give everyone an insight of the thought process behind those videos. We have chosen to post on public domains in hope that someone out there may be able to use our experience for their own future project. Please feel free to follow us on 

You Tube: Building MV dauntless

Instagram: @MVDauntless 

and here on Tumblr: Building MV Dauntless. 

We are trying to give updates weekly. Hope you enjoy!!!

[mvbabayaga]

We got the sink and faucet dry fit where we wanted it. Hard to tell In the pictures but it is a ground marble resin sink and has a slight shimmer. We wanted the faucet to be tall for pasta pots but be very subtle and swing away on either side ✅ achieved! As we continue to varnish I will also plumb everything dry to get ready for the countertops. We are really excited about what are plan is with them and collaborated with a company to make a statement with them. Stay tuned for that!! If you like what you see... *********** 👉🏽 Like, comment, and follow... 🗣 Share with friends... 📥 DM for collaboration... 📺 Go to YouTube Channel... 🆘 Turn on notifications... ********** #lifeiscalling #mvbabayaga #boating #saillife #trawlerlife #boatproject #yachtlife #ocean #diy #sailinginstagram #outdoor #offshore #boat #boatyard #yachts #doityourself #howto #fishing #restoration #boatrepair #boatrestoration #ocanlife #pelegic #diesel #yanmar #sandiego #coronado (at Harbor Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFlKLgBh3V/?igshid=53cm2rz7mmqz

[sv-triskele]

My wife so happy she finally has her new faucet #sailingwithkids #sailboat #boatlife #boatproject (at Oriental, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvHpgUn7X5/?igshid=fndbhcj0qhz9

[newmexicast]

Ahava went back up the mast today; much higher than before. A bit nerve-wracking for her momma, but she was in good hands. Today's task, to replace the frayed downhaul rope (I think that is the name of it) so we can soon use our new spinnaker. Planning to be back on the water in a few days! • • • #mastclimb #mast #catamaran #lagoon450 #boatproject #bravegirl #kids4sail #NMCastaways #A2ZTK #rosalindaroman #dawntreader (at Edgewater, Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jINxzg1yw/?igshid=51civhk3sa5m

[svliquid]

New cushions continued. #svliquid #sailinglife #sailing #boatproject

[sailingangel]

Our new video is LIVE! Link in bio Season Two starts with us leaving the Bahamas to return to Florida, where we begin boat project season by replacing our faulty mic. In this first project we replace the zip ties marking our anchor chain with silicone chain markers. Ain't nuthin to it. In theory.. #chainmarkers #anchor #chain #maono #mic #moya #boya #sony #westpalmbeach #florida #catamaran #islandspirit #mantus #ocean #sailing #vibe #adventure #boatprojects #sailorgirl #saltlife https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckvr6OgLfbf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[coastapus-blog]

A little tlc for the tender! #boating #dinghy #boatcare #boatprojects https://www.instagram.com/p/B_qsFVGgtZi/?igshid=i4xpxh0p43xa

[sailorsandseadogs]

Seefalke is getting scraped and sanded and prepped for her new orange paint! #livingaboardasailboat #sailboatlife #boatprojects #boatmaintenance #boatrepairs #paintjob #sailorsandseadogs #sailingseefalke #sailtobrazil (at Marina Jacaré Village) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcP-KEBqAw/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=m26hhmyhgc5k

[excessluggage]

My 1960 MFG runabout after the ice storm blew through and covered the boat. Have all my @totalboat products from Jamestown Distributors ready to start the project when the weather clears up. Photo: paul Todd/OUTSIDEIMAGES.COM . . . . . #boatproject #MFG #vintageboat #totalboat #jamestowndistributors #boatworks #rebuild #howgoodareboats #WEATHERBOMB #eastcoast #snow #ice #photooftheday

[buildingmvdauntless]

After the arduous task of laying out and cutting the forms, it is finally time to start assembly. The overall beam of the finished vessel is approximately 8’3” this means that each form had to be cut out of multiple pieces of plywood.

First we had to line everything up and fit the pieces together to make each form. Soon after starting we realized that because the forms were standing on edge on the stone floor of our tent they managed to absorb some moisture. Without fail this was the edge needed to join the forms together. After addressing this issue with a hand plane we were able to fit everything together.

We then we glued and screwed scrap pieces of plywood over the joints, making sure to leave room above and below the half lap joints. Luckily we realized this after the first form, and were able to trim the piece out before the glue dried.

The center line frame spans bow to stern of the boat. Thinking ahead, we decided to only glue and screw one half of these. This way we will be able to assemble and disassemble as needed.

Finally we are starting to see some progress. The forms were stacked sequentially on our workbench, begging to be assembled. It had already been a long hot morning of fitting, gluing and screwing. But the prospect of seeing the actual size of our vessel kept us motivated through the mid summer heat.

The forms are assembled using half lap joints (A slot half way down one panel and half way up the other). This makes assembly straightforward. Aside from putting the forms in the right positions, the whole thing only fits one way. Dragging everything into the driveway we assembled all of the forms in under an hour. What a feeling of accomplishment, seeing the actual size of what we are building started to put things into perspective. We did have to do some minor trimming to make everything fit correctly. This in no way took away from the glory.

After basking in our triumph, we now had to disassemble everything and put it into storage. Unfortunately this is where it will sit until the flat hull panels are fiberglassed. This was the plan from the beginning due to the lack of supplies. COVID-19 has really messed things up.

Be sure to follow us on:

YouTube- Building MV Dauntless

Instagram- @MVDauntless

Facebook- coming soon

And here on tumbler- Building MV Dauntless

[diysailingdad]

Columbia boatwork continued... Marking the waterline.. . . . . #columbia #columbia27 #boatlife⚓️ #boatproject #boatmaintenance #diy #diyprojects #diysailingdad #sailing #jotun #painting #marina #marinaboatwork #yaringa #yaringaboatharbour #gotrysailing (at Yaringa Boat Harbour) https://www.instagram.com/p/CH_JPaXHLUG/?igshid=14jo8dx2lcr9i

[mvbabayaga]

Flashback Friday to when I refinished our Yanmar genset from Gumby Green to Yanmar grey. #lifeiscalling #mvbabayaga #boating #saillife #trawlerlife #boatproject #yachtlife #ocean #diy #sailinginstagram #outdoor #offshore #boat #boatyard #yachts #doityourself #howto #fishing #restoration #boatrepair #boatrestoration #ocanlife #pelegic #diesel #yanmar #sandiego #coronado #covid #quatatine (at Shelter Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDUGKeMglnJ/?igshid=1lf86r4l56svw

[sv-triskele]

So happy made it back to our boat this afternoon and she was floating right were we left her. Happy happy joy joy #sailing #sailinglife #sailingwithkids #cruisers #liveaboard #boatlife #boats #sailboat #captains #captainslife #charterlife #charter #boatproject #hurricane (at Oriental, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2FvP-DAr2s/?igshid=lelnclmkyfwj

[newmexicast]

Samuel isn't the only one getting one-on-one daddy time, thanks to this solar panel installation project. Ziva and Nathan worked together for hours yesterday running wires, drilling holes and mounting the panels on the hardtop. They tell me everything is ready to go now. Today will be the real test when they turn the system on for the first time. We are excited (and a bit nervous) to see how it all works. • • • • • #solar #solarsystem #solarpanels #daddydaughter #girldad #daddyshome #lockdown #project #boatproject #catamaran #kids4sail #liveaboard #sailingkids #NMCastaways #A2ZTK #rosalindaroman (at Edgewater, Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_NIulaAh8k/?igshid=1x5k2euwdvz5o

[svliquid]

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A post shared by SV Liquid (@svliquid)

Time lapse of Laura doing round one of the white paint over the grey primer in the cockpit. #sailing #boatproject #steelboat SVLiquid (at Emeryville Marina)

[borisschwarzer]

Fun weekend project and yes kids actively participated. . . In building as well as in pedaling lol... #sketchbook #boatproject #funproject #brainstorming #ideageneration #ducttape #ducttapechallenge #cardboardandducttape #pirateship #steampunk #steamboat