Boat Build: New Mast+Chainplate Design [E75]

We're moving on to an exciting project that I've been planning for months. We're really excited about this one!
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[@tomas5376]

Your Mom is really special! Her knowledge and help is making Duracell stronger!!

[@nickbenfell4327]

The explanations of what you are doing are clear and easily understood Matt. The quality of the video work is improving on what was already excellent and your mum is a star. How many mum's would help their sons fibreglassing. This was an outstanding episode.

[@gillesgomez3091]

That was a hell of a task. I love the "four hands" work. Your mom rocks Matt!

[@dcallan812]

Safer is the key in my mind, then easier. Great episode. your mum is a star helping with the work. 👍👍

[@jonnenne]

Also, easy is safe

[@dcallan812]

@@jonnenne TRUE. 👍👍

[@PeterKNoone]

Your mom is a legend. Super cool that you guys get to spend the time together making boat.

[@jadygascoigne8473]

Just wanted to say that personally I would love to see your weekly videos be a tad longer. I really enjoyed that sequence of layering cloth. Personally I found and watch this channel for the building, so don't be shy to put in more organic or raw sequences of hand on building! Cheers

[@TheDuracellProject]

thanks for the feedback. we're never quite sure how much work people want to see.

[@gregorysmith9158]

@@TheDuracellProject We are here because the work is so well planned, thoroughly thought through, organized, and performed. you literally can't put enough of the work in your videos. One technique I see used on other great channels is to do a x2 or x3 speed up section with a voiceover (if needed) to show repeatable or mundane processes that you have already shown. And I really like the summary of what is going to occur and why you are doing this before each task because not all of us have obtained, gutted, and reconstructed 60ft yachts:) Hell, I don't own any boats, have never been on a sailboat but it is very nice to watch someone on top of their game enjoying what they do. dare i say inspiring

[@davidnichols147]

Truly worth the price of admission. Great job Matt and Mom!

[@Bruin4Life]

Matt, you and your mom make a great team in getting all of that fiber glassing done. You are really making the areas for the chain plate mounting areas very strong. Great craftsmanship and time taken to do the job correctly and strong.

[@forgetn]

By far my favourite episode. I was really looking forward to this discussion and project. What an amazing job you are doing. Cannot wait for next week and the carbon components

[@TheDuracellProject]

that's great to hear, Nicolas, thanks!

[@livingforsail]

Matt, This is such an inspiring project! I appreciate that you explain what you're doing along the way and why. Great work!

[@stevekatzman2504]

great explanation of swept-back versus inline rig. and same for the video of wetting out and applying the fibreglass. my favorite episode so far. SDK

[@chicobicalho5621]

I have been following this monumental project for a while, in absolute awe of the massive amount of work and dedication invested in. It literally keeps me transfixed by the unbelievable task of transforming this historic boat (the Vendée for me is womankind's (vive l'adorable Mmle Crémer!!) and mankind's (hurrah to sir Alex Thomson!!) most fantastic sports event ever created, and it sucks neither Alex, nor Clarisse will be there next year), anyhow, this mind blowing transformation will create a powerful link between human and boat like very few ones in history, and I wish you all the happiness in the world with this boat, and pray you have decades of fun, and enchantment sailing it. Om Ah Hum

[@TheDuracellProject]

thanks man. we appreciate the comment.

[@michaelramsden7482]

was announced today that Alex and Clarisse WILL be doing the Vendee as a team.

[@chicobicalho5621]

@@michaelramsden7482 and... they will fly on a rocket next, to settle on Mars and do some serious sailing there!

[@brentoneel4094]

Thank goodness for Mom!

[@butterfly_8241]

Love it when Mom shows up and saves the day. Miss my mom. Good job Matt!

[@polderfischer8565]

Your mom is a treasure!

[@KandMe1]

Wow! your moma is a champion moma!

[@quinntalley1681]

NIce! Especially getting to work with your mom on this amazing project. Savor all the time you have with her.

[@iancraig2507]

Thank for a great description of what you are doing and why. As a non sailor you sometimes wonder why things are done the way they are.

[@dinsdalepiranah8759]

Explanation of the new chain-plate position was excellent.

[@ZenWithKen]

One less step, a tiny bit closer to casting off. Thanks for sharing. Your content is enjoyed and appreciated.

[@neilrush659]

Fascinating episode!! Matt, you gave us a brief insight into the science and math that goes into design. I remember crewing on a boat called Golden Apple of the Moon where I was put in charge of the runners, I don't think I've ever been more terrified of pulling down a massive rig in my life as that day, so much so that I vowed never to be put to that task on a boat again because nobody spent time with me to explain the critical load points on a mast and why the runners play a pivotal role in the safety of said mast. Wish you were my captain that day as I believe you would never have thrown me in like that. To this day I will never know how I pulled it off and kept that huge mast in the air. This episode brought back that terror lol😂 Anyhow another wonderful episode. P.s Matt's mum is soooo KOOL!! Best to you both and sending good energy from the Emerald Isle.....Neil.

[@TheDuracellProject]

runners scare me also. that's why we're not using them. simplyifing is important to us.

[@neilrush659]

@@TheDuracellProject I agree, the less complications the better all round.

[@lincolngrove2808]

Great work, as always. Such an interesting project, brilliantly presented. Love your work.

[@benthomas8411]

Hi Matt, Duracell project junkie! Just want to say thank you for the great extraordinarily informative videos, especially Yannis nature shots and La Paz inspections! I always like and share to help. I’m in Sydney,Australia, trying to support your sponsors, unfortunately no Total Boat supplies down under Duracell will be amazing Thanks mate Ben

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

It was just the sweetest thing to see mom and son working in tandem like this. My brother is the person I can do that with. ❤️

[@erictakakjian6021]

Really impressive job with that lay up! Two hours is a long way to go without the epoxy starting to kick

[@wallacegrommet9343]

The fiberglass skin had a much more tenacious grip than I anticipated, which is actually quite reassuring

[@fransdriesen1311]

This boat was built like a tank…No way to be compared with shoddy fiberglass work I have seen in top of the line brands..Another outstanding teamwork job…well done..p

[@TheDuracellProject]

thanks, Frans😊

[@AlaskaRog]

Great video! Nice job explaining the changes that you are making to Duracell’s rig. Keep the videos coming. You are making lots of good and steady progress. Cheers, Rog

[@Dave-ge1uu]

Matt. As you have a Dewalt Oscillating Tool you should get these two scraper blades for it. The offset blade DWA4217 and the straight blade DWA4218. With these two blades it will make removing the foam core for your chain plate project a whole lot easier. The scraper blades make it very easy to remove the foam from the fiberglass without damaging it. It will also contour the edges for you. The nice thing about the scraper blade is it won't cut into the fiberglass. Do plunge cuts into the foam and then get under the foam next to the fiberglass and pop the foam off in one piece. Doing it this way doesn't create foam dust like the router.

[@blueh2o117]

Great job! and Mom = MVP as this was a monumental task. I kept thinking La Paws was going to show up in the outside shots 🙂

[@MikeTheMachineLevine]

Very impressive description with changing the mast and chain plates. The visual diagrams really hit your explanation home. Thanks.

[@richardroy2430]

Wonderful to see your mom working side by side with you ❤

[@geraldtribbe6363]

Mom to the rescue, hopefully she has earned her own suite.

[@evangatehouse5650]

Nice animations for the swept spreaders new locations and the width of the spreader base. Glad to see it's going well.

[@stevebaker5642]

as a New Zealander & sailing fan, it was sad to be reminded of our broken mast - that said, however, it was good to hear/see your reasoning behind the changes to your designs

[@volkira]

I sailed with Mike Plant on Duracell in Vendee in 1989. Damn scary day.We were in the biggest seas unable to enter port due to low tide. Can remember surfing those waves and the hull just smacking the water when we went over them. A great guy and deeply missed.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Wow, thanks for sharing.

[@volkira]

@@TheDuracellProject I was a photographer on board. Mike was upset that day as he needed more time to get Duracell ready for the race start. But was also pressured by the press to do some practice runs off the coast of Vendee so the media could get Duracell filmed and photographed for stock images and film. He picked me to be on board. Have never forgotten the wave height and deep troughs that day outside that harbour. Duracell did her job though. Been at sea many times but that day sticks in my mind a lot. Good luck with your rebuild.

[@simonkelly2339]

Amazing work as always, I know jack all about fibreglassing but never thought you’d even attempt to vacuum bag in that location. It’s surprisingly fascinating content.

[@irisgilliard4955]

Good job Matt persistence, you have it! Love watching my grandson redesign this legendary boat!

[@TheDuracellProject]

thanks Mimi❤️❤️❤️

[@farmerjimbob67]

Really good way to lay up so much glass. Cracking episode 👍

[@bert2526]

Well done Matt. I can't wait to see until you get her in the water. If you ever need crew... ;-)

[@JahsRulz]

6'32" - Wow, that looks so satisfying to peel off a complete section like that!

[@sailingsjofagel]

I, like many others here, really love to see your Mom involved. She's a keeper..!!! Ha ha ha - fantastic to have her helping. Congratulations to all of you on the fabulous progress.

[@andrewmoylan6295]

I love your work ethics Matt seems pretty chilled but very meticulous and patient. You have to get mum to say hi mate .Duracell will be brilliant.

[@patrickmaloney6440]

Great stuff!! Carving away at the very fabric of Duracell is very brave! Interesting to see the boat inspector nowhere to be seen when the epoxy was flying! 🐈

[@chrislee7817]

Looking forward to the next episode. Enjoyed seeing the drawings and what you are going to do. Makes perfect sense for a cruising boat.

[@roscoejones4515]

Wow, fantastic stuff, all of you, I'm so impressed! 👏

[@TAT660X]

Never understood a word about the mast the chain plates or the sails 😂 Love the fact that your mum just rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in 👏🏼 she looks so professional in what she’s doing 🤓 well done mum 👏🏼 Excellent episode yet again.

[@mikemurel1917]

Tremendous work!! So interesting to watch. Again your work ethic is unsurpassed.

[@damonzucchiatti1838]

I was just thinking, I've been watching these videos every Thursday for at least a year now. I guess I just like the magnitude of the project as I don't sail or build boats. I can't wait to see you splash it.

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Wow great progress! Keep rolling along Duracell team!👍👍

[@alangurman3961]

Man your knowledge of all things sailing really amazes me.

[@briang6896]

Amazing! What a huge amount of work.

[@davidbroman8391]

As a Certified Prosthetist I am so impressed that you use a vacuum with your laminations. Prostheses are (mostly) made of resins, carbon fiber, basalt, Kevlar and or fiberglass. A vacuum results in a thinner, lighter and stronger lamination. Very impressive Matt.

[@casparharte]

Because you are taking your time to enjoy the process, it its fun to watch. Looking forward...

[@wiegertspriveagenda]

The side cutter you used to remove the fibre glass on the inside also has cutter blades. That makes removing the pvc-foam core a breeze while not damaging the outer wall. Maybe an Idea? 💙

[@billywhizz6483]

That was an amazing explanation about the changes to the chainplates.

[@chicobicalho5621]

I was just thinking how cool it would be, if, after you had this boat thoroughly in order, you guys could sail it to Les Sables-d'Olonne. And... do a leisurely circumnavigation (stopping, of course) following the same general route of the Vendée Globe.

[@davidcummings6299]

You’ve got a vary cool Mom , my friend.

[@ptcamaro]

Matt, you are a great builder, my hats off to you man.

[@jodywade5617]

Miss the PNW.It's so cool to have the parents help. My Dad would have been right there with me. Thanks for another fun one.

[@dancarter482]

PATIENCE of an _ABSOLUTE_ SAINT!

[@Ravenswingsailing]

Wow, 15 layers of 17oz in one shot - such a great job controlling resin content and keeping the fabric on-axis. That's an amazing chainplate bedding area now! Curious if you and Evan discussed part-time runners, for those really bad days when more support would be good insurance against shock loads. They would just live at the mast, and there would be stored tackle for quick deployment, and of course engineered anchors aft. There have been some crazy ocean days where I'm super thankful to have these "optional" runners that help with the reefed main head area. If you don't already have your metal bits for the plates, Coligo Marine makes custom stuff in titanium for really reasonable prices, pretty quickly. John Franta just wants to see cool boats get great materials, and he's so helpful to builders.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Yes, we will have check stays for running the staysail or with a reef in the main. Usually they'll be put away at the shrouds, as conditions get more sporty and sails are shortened, we'd deploy them. I was already in the weeds and didn't want to go any deeper with my explanations. Thank you for the nice words.

[@Ravenswingsailing]

@@TheDuracellProject cool. Also, maybe checkstay(s) could be configured with a quick-attach point for lifting tackle, like the upper anchor for a lifesling or other lifting - from - water tasks (e.g. lowering a dinghy motor) Kind of interesting height calc idea… And I’m a dork, forgetting they’re called checkstays ;)

[@koosvandersteuijt2063]

Amazing job folks..so nice to see u work with ur mom.

[@williamschantz9563]

I am truly impressed by the knowledge you have and how awesome your mom is. So envious of the relationship you have with your mom. Really enjoy following this journey. Thanks for sharing

[@bobflores]

Almost 70K subs. Thanks for the video.

[@finley624]

Man, the music was sooo good for this video!

[@rjsparling1696]

I just recently found your videos, and I thought about removing the inner laminations when you were thinking of ways to save the mural from the stateroom. It would have been significantly more work... but doable for Janni. Anyway were all past that now and as is said: its water under the bridge. As a previous fiberglass and sheetmetal fabricator for military aircraft, I'm having lots of fun watching your progress. Cheers from Minnesota! Now please excuse me so I can continue binging your content.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Welcome aboard!

[@lucaschueli984]

My compliments! I am 76 and currently rebuilding my 40 years old , 40' catamaran on the beach in South Thailand. I have some boatbuilding/GRP/epoxy experience but I have rarely seen so tidy work outside top racing construction. I'm going for a freestanding double mast rig, so I won't need chainplates😅. But I would have added a couple of layers of carbon/ Kevlar to replace 3 or 4 of glass and integrate into the carbon chainplates. Cheers from a hot beach!

[@TheDuracellProject]

Good luck!

[@flossey100]

I really understand your technical explanations love the vision of the boat shelter and boat from La Paws point of view. Great presentation 💖💖💖💖💖

[@TotalBoat]

We love your mom! You guys are the best, keep up the great work!

[@Brian-os9qj]

Lotsa and lotsa work being done. The payoff is not immediate, but will be satisfying I’m sure.

[@Johnny-Too-Bad]

Favorite episode in the series so far. I've been watching through every single episode, no jumping ahead but this one is nice an deep in the technical weeds. Yay! Thank you for the content guys, great seeing the progress. First comment for me and I'm sure it won't be the last as I continue to come up further up to the present on the project!

[@TheDuracellProject]

awesome, and welcome aboard😊

[@NDHIZK1]

Great episode and work thanks team!

[@somerset2912]

What a great description of how the chainplate location works! Love all the diagrams

[@TheDuracellProject]

hey thanks, Salty. See you this weekend! -Janni

[@bjrnkristiansen3420]

Amazing job and very impressive mother. Looking forward to them next episodes.👍🏼☺️

[@YQTFun]

Best video yet! The editing, music, content, all 5 stars. 😊

[@TheDuracellProject]

Thank you!

[@michaelgillespie6526]

Amazing to see the amount you accomplished in this week's episode. Glad you had help. I appreciated your explanations of the changes in rigging. You made it understandable for me and I see why those changes will make sailing more pleasant as cruisers. Thanks for sharing this!

[@TheDuracellProject]

good to hear, thanks Michael!

[@5fingers1]

Really interesting video looking forward to next stage 👍 your mum's a trooper

[@TheMcGiffids]

The algebra stuff hurt my brain. I'll take your word on all of it. 100% support and love for all your ideas. Give Paws a tin of crab and count me in on all the math. You carbon fiber / fiberglass wizardry remains un-tarnished. Yet another great episode. Thanks you two!

[@michaelrhodes6033]

Your Mum, deserves a Medal and lots of hugs.

[@TheAl6244]

Just thinking about the journey your taking as on, and how enjoyable it is, and I know it will Finnish one day. I kinda want the project never to end. I do hope you take us on your trips. New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@TheDuracellProject]

we'll definitely bring you along sailing when it's launched....one day

[@eugenio1542]

Absolutely Fantastic ! I Love, Your (pl), Work, Jazz, Vibes etc. 🎶👍😊❤️

[@basicinfoplaybook]

Its rad that your mom steps in to assist w/ your fabrications. On @WildlingSailing , Mark's dad assist's w/ motor rebuilds. Parents participating in their kids' lives on YT is a delight to watch.

[@donaldmitchell6994]

If you have an inner forestay and fly a heavy air or reaching staysail, won't you need runners to balance the loads? It seems like a long, lightly stayed fore & aft section for punching into a steep sea without a runner to be used in these sort of conditions. (an old, retired mast designer at Hood Yacht Systems, way back in the 1970s). I love your modifications with chainplates at the rail and the carbon fiber chainplates.

[@timevans8223]

I can't help thinking that swept back spreaders is minus point on a cruising boat. You can't get the boom out for long downwind legs without damage to the mainsail. I would want runners when flying a small headsail upwind in to a sea on the inner forestay. It will be interesting to see how much more jurky the motion is when sailing with the lighter mast. Those that have swapped aluminium masts to carbon masts have often found the motion especially as anchor quite rolly

[@bruceholtermann9646]

With sailing larger boats most of the sailing is not close hauled but down wind so perhaps movable back side stays that address that force/strain on the rig make sense.

[@TheDuracellProject]

We will have check stays to oppose the staysail. I didn't explain any of that as I was already in the weeds and didn't want to go any deeper. But yes, the inner forestay has to be supported with a check stay with a reef in the main and/or flying the staysail, especially upwind in any kind of chop.

[@TheDuracellProject]

@Tim Evans This is another rabbit hole I didn't want to go down for being already in the weeds. You are right that swept spreaders keep the mainsail from being eased for straight downwind running. Compromises have to be made with double headsails or sailing hotter angles.

[@pkpsail4441]

Brilliant, can't wait to see the chainplates. (and La Paws)

[@justingrunwald4431]

Super Mother, she’s fantastic

[@ReadMichaelParenti]

I love this next phase of the project!

[@scottvording2436]

I have had good results removing insulation with a wire wheel connected to a mini grinder or a drill. It’s probably a bit messier then your method, but it seems to quickly eat through foam. Great videos!

[@comeandtravel1]

Cool! Cheer from Corfu, Greece!

[@charleskirby482]

I have followed you and Yanni, (spelling ?) from the start of the project and have been impressed. This episode gives you another promotion in my view. I appreciated the visuals and supporting formula for the underpinning of your plan for mast support. I think I just figured out the use and importance of “ring frames” and your creative process to assure their use to the max, thanks. I also do not mind hearing your discussions about the basis of your decisions. I look forward to next time with your architect. Please try to capture the conversations. We were power boaters on the Chesapeake Bay, and loved it. Now I am an arm chair adventurer, and especially like the DIY aspect of it all. Thanks again.

[@daltonbedore8396]

short n sweet! great montage music and editing

[@bmunday]

I love this project, wish Id tuned in sooner.

[@patreilly4293]

Fantastic video! Thanks

[@Deutschtown]

That thing is built so well.

[@KD0CAC]

What ---- Is the inspector on vacation ? ;)

[@TheDuracellProject]

yes, she often goes on vacation. But I'm sure she'll be back soon enough to inspect the progress of the chainplates 😏

[@seanwalsh999]

@@TheDuracellProject Yes they could use a good cat-scan.

[@jimlofts5433]

@@seanwalsh999 ok you started it - sentence with catastrophe or catalyst - meow - next

[@glowingfatedie]

Loved the music this episode.

[@pmacgowan]

Keep going guys, one job at a time :-)

[@terrysmall1421]

nice job. ive had sucess with a long blade in a multi tool used to take off the foam layer....was a lot less mess than a router.

[@wadeshore]

Looks great 👍🏻

[@reidnolan4456]

Cant wait for more videos!