Catamaran Electrics, It's whole new project - 42 Foot Catamaran Build Ep246

Either sit back and do the everyday, or get the job done ready for the all-important electrical install. Final preparations and a general explanation of what is coming up in the electrical system makes this week, a milestone like no other.
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[@peterplouf2836]

Never cease to be amazed at how much you get done every week. By comparison, the other boat builders on KZbin are like glaciers working on granite surfaces over the eons. I have zero doubts that this boat is headed to the water. The rest of the lot are interesting, but seem like building a boat for KZbin $$$" is the main requirement.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Thanks mate.I honestly cannot believe they are making any money out of youtube, especially when they show the same part of the boat for 20min.I am in a mission and youtube fame " is not one of them." Rossco

[@tucson790]

With over 50 years of working in electronics and communications the one important thing that I can't stress enough is label every thing.

[@mysticwolf2842]

Label every wire e ery connection and every breaker, when you put in a new connection mark it and label it as well. Back in the 80s I helped build a few boats, we used about 15,000 labels on a 42 foot sail boat, even the masthead light was labeled, we put marked every last wire and every last component on those boats.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I am on a mission to label every single ,wire,connection,fuse don't you worry.

[@tucson790]

I have what may be a dumb question. Is there a way of grounding the hull to pass lightning strikes to the water?

[@mysticwolf2842]

@@tucson790 they are called anodes, they are sacrificial plates that go along the bottom of the hull.

[@icelandviking1961]

@@LifeOnTheHulls Ross look into the quality label making machines. Using a label maker that uses Heat Shrink Wire and Cable Labels will make a hard job a little easier.

[@bobm6016]

Glad to see you achieved the goal of laminating the module, that looked extremely difficult. The quality of your workmanship will pay dividends down the line. Great effort Ross.

[@RobbyB-Poppin]

I can't recall how I found your channel, but I do recall finding it very, very early on, not long after you uploaded the mould transport video. Following along these last couple of years has been simply awe-inspiring. A true master class. I imagine you to be a jewel in the crown of Jervis Bay. I felt your frustration in this one. Just remember you have an army of folks from all over the world cheering you in. Stunning work, my friend!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Thanks Bob.The locals here think of me as Noah in reality.A bit crazy so I really do appreciate that someone thinks I am sane .Rossco

[@BuildingSYMistress]

The opener - you had me cracking up Rossco, "I die a little bit every day,..." 🤣

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Si true mate,you know it.

[@firefox2716]

Hi Ross , make sure you have fresh air flowing in & out of those enclosed hull compartments, not safe or healthy to breath in those fumes as you know....Amazing Cat 🌊⛵

[@william6526]

Ross,besides the savings in money by doing all the wiring and install of your boats electrical the knowledge you will have about where every wire goes and what they do will be a huge advantage if you ever have a problem with your electrical systems. It's going to be a huge amount of work ,but it will pay off and you will be an electrical expert by the time you are finished. I'm sure it will be over and above anything an electrician could do. Good luck !!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I intend to know every single circuit and cable in this Cat.

[@kenbaustin4533]

"I die a little each day on this job" ....... Classic words Ross! We all feel for you and remain amazed at your perseverance. Someday they will name a village in a far way place after you!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Too funny Kenny

[@theonlynafester]

It begins!!

[@aserta]

The electric system is a modern boat's most important system. IF done right, it's something you never even notice and never have to touch, and whenever you have to interact with it, it's easy in, easy out. If done wrong... well, i think most of us have seen pictures or news feeds about boats on fire.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

That is why we are following the recommrned Victron spec.All wiring is tinned marine grade and the highest quality switches ,bus bars,circuit breakers and fuse blocks.

[@MarkSmit65]

Hey Ros.It was an absolute pleasure to have met you and Janet the other day.Talking with you and seeing what you are up to , makes it all very real.You are an absolute inspiration . Thanks so much .

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Hey Mark good to meet you and funny that you recognised Janet in the supermarket.Take care and safe holidays.Ross

[@hansh8071]

Hi Rossco, think of the electrical as a nice distraction of the big picyture (that massive boat 😉) the other commenters are right, the fact that you know all the ins and outs of every system on the boat is going to pay off a thousand times in the future. Keep on keeping on 👍

[@jakeoddmonic2956]

Great work 🍻🍻🍻🍻 it Awsome to spend time working with family, I luv doing wiring it’s alote of fun to make it clean looking ,I’m retired cellular tower installer it was fun job except the radiation

[@mitchshort2008]

Finally another episode on the hulls

[@medickaisu]

that composite angle is the gift that keeps on giving. Great work.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Love it,absolutely amazing stuff.

[@mikestickersm3mxb279]

Really coming together

[@wadeshore]

It’s looking good

[@paulmanuse2353]

I can't imagine!!

[@SoBoring136]

As boiler maker doing shut down work i often find myself in confined spaces with gas and oxygen monitoring. Always without fail no matter what have some one outside Ross. You might not think it necessary for what your doing but it is mate, who knows how shit happens but it does and you don’t the boat sitting there year after year to be a reminder of what Ross was building while your pushing up daisies. Stay safe

[@nickcooper14]

Love the chipmunk chat while your in the hole. Disguising the “F” bombs🤣🤣🤣

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Very true

[@4englishlies875]

While you were in their doing the tabbing under the dining area I can imagine you were channeling your inner sailor....lol

[@123turby]

There was no doubt,you were going to get it done and done your way. They have a name for guy’s like us but that’s okay as long as we’re happy with the job done it doesn’t matter about the what they say. I look forward to every Thursday,so again thank you for the content,I wish I could do more to help but I’m a bit stretched at the moment but that’s going to change soon. Take care and be sure to be nice to the apprentice.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Always nice to Janet mate,without her, none of this happens.Ross

[@traitorhatergetarope3163]

Im excited for you guys, getting close. At the same time Im going to be bummed when she is floating and we dont get to enjoy the build process any longer.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I reckon there will videos for quite a while yet mate.Ross

[@krisbouchard6146]

Great episode - thanks for sharing ! You seem to be getting to critical system planning stages now and it’s very enjoyable listening to you talk your way thru the process. Keep up the masterful work !!!

[@martinneubert4068]

Very nice work as always Ross And now you are on to my favorite part, all the electrical work. Take care mate. All the best.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Absolutely full on ,the electrical is a project in itself.

[@martinneubert4068]

@@LifeOnTheHulls it sure is, and quite a project that is. 🙂

[@jojopetitpecheur2368]

bravo

[@peterasquith6942]

We had Battery, Water & Fuel on Garmin when we got our Astrea. Now Battery, Water and 2 Fuel tanks are on the Itouch via the Cerbo GX. Next on will be black water. Garmin displays are crap analogue type. Itouch Litres & %. Make sure everything Victron the Firmware is up to date pre installation. Plus Garmin chews a heap of power so after sailing turn off ASAP. Anchor alarm is an App. Itouch chews nothing and with the swipe of a finger you see all you want. Garmin takes 2 minutes to fire up for you to see same. And anything that has standby or sleep mode make sure the power point is switched. Sleep mode Appliances add up to a nuiscance drain on your Amps. I admire your patience and perserverance. Nearly there, go 4 it.❤

[@johnhaffenden9576]

great video, where's the Boss, yes you can only do what you can do, don't look at the whole, just take the a little bit at a time and the whole will arrive before you know it, keep going Ross, nearly there, regards John

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Janet now runs a mile when the tight spaces ned laminating after her foray int the forepeak. Cheers Rossco .

[@michaelhaardt5988]

There is an alternative between "read half the net to do it yourself" and "pay someone to do it": Pay someone to do some and teach you about it. You get one job done professionally and pay by hour and not by result, but you learned how to do the rest.

[@matswilliams1058]

As a Swede listening to Australian English in a gas mask - you can swear all you want, can't keep up with it anyway! Love your vids! Cheers mate

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Thanks Mats,cheers Rossco

[@prereed]

Will your wire loom backer board stand up to heat from the potential of an overheated wire?

[@johncollier608]

Nobody is ever going to be able to say you don't know every single inch of your boat, Ross! I know what you show really doesn't do the difficulty and discomfort justice. I did think of putting on a woolley hat, face mask, head torch and then covering myself in a heavy duvet to replicate what you're going through. Then I thought, no, that would just make me wiered. So I contiuned sip my latte and watch from the cool comfort of my sofa. It's the thought that counts, right? Thanks for sharing, Sir.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Good onya John,at least I have moral support.

[@nena4215]

Wow, that part under the raised floor, I cannot believe you did that, those tiny spaces are brutal!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Was a mean day in the compartment.

[@kev.fwestofireland334]

Cheers dude though you weren't posting this week as i did see it on patron Well done love this stuff

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I am not sure why you didn't get the patron feed, it was up at normal time mate. Thanks for checking in I was worried about you buddy. Ross

[@kev.fwestofireland334]

Sorry dude my bad must be on my end.

[@timdunn2387]

Don't be overwhelmed by the challenges Ross; bite off more than you can chew, then chew like buggery. Best wishes mate.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Good onya Tim.Might mstta entirely.Rossco

[@1jeffcan]

As always amazing work. I don’t know how you do it.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

You know I love it buddy.

[@vogs72]

Fantastic that you have a wiring snake in the family!😊

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Yep we definately do.

[@latitudeash]

More progress

[@jeremyduncan3654]

You got yourself a cat! Fair dinkum! Looking awesome!

[@bencampbell2407]

G'day Ross, what you have achieved is truly incredible, but trust me wiring up your boat will truly test you! Trust me ive only just finishing my 24ft yacht, taken over 6mths already!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Yes mate I can see that happening. We have the system wiring done,cables pulled and still need to wire devices,engines,lights,fans etc.Massive job etc

[@daleogle3620]

For cable trays/tunnels make sure that center of trays are higher than ends to prevent trapping water/condensation in the trays. Drilling holes in the bottom of the trays would also suffice to keep from trapping moisture in the trays. Great work!

[@aserta]

This. Very important detail that escapes even some of the more experienced system builders. Moisture in wiring is bad.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I have shirt runs and holes in the trays to allow moisture to escape.Thanks for mentioning it as I reckon a lot of bits have this problem.Rodsco

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Vety true,all conduit runs short with holes in them for moisture to escape.

[@rodkubis384]

look at these guys. SO much info avaliable online. They only do marine syetems.

[@nez3009]

👌

[@stephenj9563]

Good episode Ross As good as your electrical work will be, you may need a pro to sign it off. A lot of boats with Lithium installations are having trouble with insurance. Might be something to look into.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

There will be a significant mate.Don't worry.

[@patrickwiklund2039]

👍

[@rogerandall]

Have you thought about a CO2 extinguisher system in for the electrical area?

[@gordonaddison435]

Loving it as ever, but worried for you in that the fitting out might take as long as the hull build😵‍💫

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I am definately up for it mate.Cheers Gordon.

[@efka608]

I am from the Netherlands. We use for suche small Areias a brush called “bokkepoot” it is a brush with a long shank wherry the actually brush is at an angel.gr.Frits

[@1svsoulmate]

Good go Ross. I think maybe some child labor might be in order for the tight spots.😁 Just kidding. Do be careful with the electrical and don't be fooled thinking DC is so safe, especially if the voltages get higher than 12 volts. Remember you can weld with a car battery. I worked my entire adult life in a power plant and have seen some bad injuries working with just 50 volts DC. Please take care and consider calling in an electrical consultant. Thanks for sharing. You guys Rock!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Thanks Daniel.I am super careful and will be having the entire install check prior to plugging batteries in.We are gauging wires correctly and the entire system is being speck out step by step to ensure everything is right.Totally appreciate your comment.Thank you.Ross

[@bdphourde]

Rossco, I would have thought that a man as cordial and friendly as you, would have a friends list long enough to include a midget, or at least have children that can get into those tight spaces and perform the work necessary. Every time I see you in those conditions I remember Thor Heyerdahl's experiences in Aku-Aku exploring those tunnels throughout the island that were so narrow (and pitch black) that his arms had to be straight out in front of him and he had to exhale to squeeze through some! I didn't hear any swearing from you, but I sure heard a couple of minutes of really vulgar language from a chipmunk! ;)

[@nelsonclarke7912]

"It's a project for life" Because it'll kill you or make you wish you were dead at times. But you'll build something which will become a major achievement in your life.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Becoming a life's work for sure.I do love it.Ross.

[@RichardHeadGaming]

Build a boat they said, it'll be great ......... They were talking about a 10 foot longboat lol.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Yes I think my translation was a amiss.

[@paulnaylor3301]

Hey Ross have a mind full of info here one is mount all components in same area for ambient temp reasons and I used electrical board to mount components ( fireproof ) as switch board in house as some components will get really hot ,

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Thanks Paul. Everything in one place to keep large wires short.I will mount a couple of fans to vent.How is your system holding up.Ross

[@paulnaylor3301]

@@LifeOnTheHulls 1000w of Solar panels keep up with charge even on overcast days don't feel the need for a genset or big alternators as 2x 75amp are only seem to be regulating at 50% output, wake up in the morning generally with 80% in Batteries which are only 400 amp lith bank you can run these down to 20% which are usually full charged by midday, I stop using stove top and make hot water by 2 pm with inverter then its all recharged full when sun goes down ... happy days

[@paulnaylor3301]

Don't complicate your system and wire is expensive and weighs alot.. !!!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I intend to have 1400 watts of solar,have 4 x 125amp alternators,2 for house 2 for start batteries.Is you 3000 multiplus coping with that load ok.

[@paulnaylor3301]

@@LifeOnTheHulls seems like a lot of alternators and expense , a DC/DC Tri smart and Battery combiner will take care of the engine bank, the loads on the multiplus are 1100w / 8o amphr approx (sucks the juice) for the single cook top we use and 750 watts for hotwater heating 20 mins for 16ltrs hot water which is plenty for us 3 ... and engine run time heats the water also 15/20 mins you don't want to draw any more than 1500w from the inverter as its rating .

[@user-cb2427]

A little whiskey helps in tight places

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

For sure

[@mitchdavis8687]

Looking good!

[@paulnaylor3301]

Also had some failures with gear and hardware as things where old although new and warranty had expired before use be aware with purchasing electrical gear as it will be old by the time it is commissioned

[@peterstarkey1360]

Ahhh 😂Ahhh 🤣 , go on TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL , go on Suck it up , you know you LUV IT , Just like me when l built mine , Embrace the journey.....poor Janet having to listen to....winge winge...poor me...l can see her eyes rolling in the back of her head😂🤣👍

[@2Moza]

:)

[@dc1544]

I hope you are going hybrid. Battery banks with regen. IF not I fell I have to drop this channel. I thought I was being funny but I guess I came across wrong.

[@dc1544]

@@ralphgesler5110 Man nobody has a since of humor.

[@stevenr8606]

👍 And you thought glassing the hull(s), bulkheads & deck was killing you. Think again 🤦😲

[@johntripp2028]

3000 watts will be totally inadequate. Do your calculations and then add 50%. Refrigeration and air conditioning are big constant consumer’s. Just my thinking.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I have the option to build the system. With a daisy chain of multi plus ii 3000w inverters as they are designed to be built upon when required.

[@mitch_the_-itch]

Do you think Makita is worth the extra cost over Ryobi? Ccan we have the "swearing version" on Rumble? They dont mind words.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Makita really not worth the extra,ryobi has a better warranty program also.

[@mitch_the_-itch]

@@LifeOnTheHulls Excellent, thanks. Two more years?

[@slimdavey100]

3k watt is a little low I had a 3k in my motorhome and honestly I could have done with 5k watt air con and fridge freezer use way more than you think also larger wattage inverter will run cooler as you will not be running it at its max or near max keep on going Thursdays should be at least twice a week so we get two episodes a week 😂

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I have bought multiplus ii as it can be daisy chained to another if required to boost capacity.Cheers Ross

[@slimdavey100]

@@LifeOnTheHulls should have known you would have it covered now I know why you are making it as light as possible just in case the oceans dry up you can then fabricate some wings and hey presto you have a flying machine well done Ross love the channel have watched every episode and laughed so much at times

[@latitudeash]

I don’t see why the seating plinth is needed. Seams over complicated for a 3inch step. Also wast of space. I would have used the structural glue in that area. It probably does not need a tabling?

[@ross82]

It may sound counterintuitive and seem like an excuse for being lazy, but a tidy loomed cable system is actually dangerous as you’re effectively derating the cable temperature ratings. If you insist on doing it then I’d strongly suggest putting the highloads on the outside of any bundles and never have two highloads that’ll be on simultaneously running side by side buried in a bundle.

[@ross82]

Industrial installations use slotted (vented) capping with conductors loosely and randomly laid inside.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

That is our thinking.We have laid long alternator,winch and windlass cables outside of small load loom ducts to alleviate temperature issues. Most of our smaller load wiring is in short length conduits with openings and are loosely bound except for at the fuse and inverter compartment.

[@hooter7003]

I realize your weeks behind in videos but call me I can do a full range of narva electrical products

[@latitudeash]

Your not electrily enclinded? That’s shocking 😂

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Nice one

[@lets_go_see_]

You, slack off? That is an oxymoron. You are right though that many others fill time with fake socializing at boat shows so i guess that's why you get paid the big bucks (pun) :)

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Huge money,I could buy some sandpaper with my earnings.Ross

[@lets_go_see_]

@@LifeOnTheHulls i realize that but it's nice to think about it :)

[@lets_go_see_]

It has been difficult comprehending what you were saying with that mask on. However at time interval 21:00 > while you were tabbing with the 600 double ply and you speeded up the video, e v e r y o n e and i mean everyone could hear your swearing and cussing LOL!!!!. Electrics can not fail in the middle of the ocean so maybe have an experienced individual at least come out before you start laying cable and get their input. Just a thought.

[@lets_go_see_]

This seems to be a 'filler video'. Usually you are actually working but this week you spend 85% of the time speaking. Could it be that you are waiting for Zak to appear and are also lost without Janet about? Hmmmm!! 🤨🤔

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

That work under that module felt like a weeks work.The electrical explanation was also necessary.Give me a chance to think it through. Compared to every other youtuber out there, there doesn't seem to be any sailing or work from any of them just a bunch of fluff. I have to hold the fort for them going to boat shows and generally slacking off,I on the other hand am not.

[@lets_go_see_]

@@LifeOnTheHulls What i was getting at is the 'calm before the storm' scenario because the electrics will be a challenge

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Indeed,it is a harrowing time my friend.Full on.Cheers Ross

[@donaldbassett8769]

YOU WASTED THIS VIDEO TALK TO MUNCH I,AM SHUR WE ALL KNOW WHAT YOUR GOING TO DO IT,S TO BAD

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Ross don’t stuff up on the electrics mark everything and find yourself a sparky if in doubt

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I will engage a sparky before sending live.