1st Boatyard Visit

We visited the boatyard in Guangzhou in March to see the boat in person for the first time. We came away with an overall positive impression on what we saw and were happy to see most systems complete with the electronics being the last big ticket item outstanding on the install/build front.

It's been hard to mentally form a picture of the size of the boat based on drawings and numbers from the design plans, but seeing it in the flesh really gave us some perspective. Let's just say I'm glad we didn't go for the 72' one!

Here are some photos from the outside starting with the aft cockpit.

I think the logo and name in stainless steel turned out great. The back cockpit is quite large and we are wondering a bit about the empty space in between the table and the salon doors. Might have to get some bean bags or deck chairs for that spot. The swim platform is pretty big and we are thinking if we get some shading back there it would make a fine spot to hang out sipping G&T's. Finally a couple of shots showing the lockers (shore power and swim platform remote, deck shower and line storage). Side decks are quite wide and finally the wiring looms in the engine room look neat and tidy.

One thing we were really happy about was the day head (under the stairs leading to the flybridge). It's a relatively small space but will be super convenient given the other guest head (toilet) is through the salon and down some stairs.

Plenty of lounging space in the front cockpit and we think the layout will work out great especially considering the sun shade system that has been installed. Eric is demonstrating the 'dolphin seat' which is another customisation we requested. Christine is standing in one of the bow lockers where the electric bikes will live. Unfortunately the cushion stripes were skewed where the curved part was so they'll need to be redone but we were happy with our colour choices.

Moving inside we were really happy with the spotted gum flooring which you can see in the photos of the master bedroom above. The kitchen sink looks good in black. The under sink plumbing and installation, including the UV-LED water filter, looks neat and professional.

There were some things we were not happy with, starting with the marble counter top in the galley. The panels were not matched very well and the caulking was applied thickly. There was also a lip glued on around the edges that is intended to stop things rolling off in rough seas (which is overkill on a catamaran I think). Anyways, it didn't look up to the standard of everything else we were seeing so in the end we decided this is one of the things that needed a do-over, this time without the lip. We just got some photos from the surveyor and am happy to report it looks much better now.

We were impressed with the living space upstairs and are glad we made the decision to go with the extended flybridge. As you can see in the photos, the ceiling panels haven't been installed yet since the cabling is still being done. Electronics are being worked on now. After they are complete the helm chairs can go in. The 3rd photo shows the folding radar mast.

It was fun visiting the yard and seeing the operation up close and we want to thank Eric and Scott for the hospitality they showed us. It is so easy to do this type of trip nowadays using the translation and payments apps. They obviously don't get too many westerners in this part of China as we were quite the curiosity as we explored the area we were staying. At one point we were even asked by a couple of teenage girls if we would pose for selfies!

Next up is the out of water survey which is happening now. First splash should happen in a couple of weeks, depending on when the electronics install is complete. And then final system and engine commissioning, after which we'll get the surveyor back for the in-water part.