Build update #2
Update of our Granocean w-60 catamaran build
In this update we share a few more photos of the build, project plan update, and electronics, electrical and galley design refinements.
Build Photos
These photos are from the late July timeframe showing the bulkheads in place and internal cabinetry started.
Fast forward to late September. The GRP (fibreglassing) stage is now complete and we can see the two hull halves have been joined.
The internal fit-out begins.
More Solar
Good news on the solar front. The yard has figured out how to install additional panels in the area above the salon/in front of the flybridge. This increases the capacity to 4.2 kW.
Project Plan
Until now it has been frustrating trying to get visibility into the project plan and a firm completion date. It has seemed 'fluid' at best, but we've finally been given the high level milestones. Unfortunately, the completion date has been pushed back until the end of January now.
Electrical and Electronics
Meanwhile discussions about the electrical and electronics aspects have been ongoing. I've learned a lot about generators, solar and lithium batteries on boats over the last few months. It's been fun!
Victron blue boxes all over the place!
On the electronics side we are going all in on Furuno gear but I've opted for a navigation PC instead of a MFD (chart plotter) unit. It will run the same software, but this way I can update the CPU myself.
There will be a fairly extensive set of NMEA 2000 sensors around the boat that will feed the Oceanic Systems Poseidon system for monitoring. This system also allows us to set up alarms (e.g. bilge pump cycling, bow thruster is running when the boat is travelling at > 3 knots), manages the cameras (engine rooms, forward, aft, port and starboard), and digital switching control.
Galley Design
We've settled on mostly Bosch appliances for the galley and washer/dryer. The sink, induction stove and fridge are arranged in a working triangle arrangement, with the dishwasher towards the front. One thing we are pleased with was finding a combination microwave/extraction fan that will be installed above the stove.
In addition to the galley, we'll have a BBQ in the aft cockpit. Under the lounge there will be a 570 litre freezer.
There will also be another grill in the flybridge.
That's a wrap for this update. There is an incredible amount of work scheduled for the next 3 months - installation of the engines, generator, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing - it's amazing seeing it all come together.