Fitting out the aft Cabins

In the video we start fitting out the aft cabins of our Dix 470 DIY catamaran.

[@derekfawell2853]

Thanks Kev - another very good video.

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Derek, thanks, glad you enjoyed it Kev

[@markfrost9087]

Hi Kev! I've been silently watching for quite some time. Such an impressive project you are undertaking here. I know it is way beyond my abilities. So it's very enlightening to see what kind of traits and skills are required to do such a thing. My hat's off to you sir! I do a lot of DIY but I don't think I am precise enough to undertake a project like yours. But it is strangely rewarding to watch you make steady progress at such a high standard of quality throughout.

[@solomani-42]

Same. Just enjoying the build.

[@saltlightdix4704]

Wow, Thanks Mark......you are way too kind. I really have the thank Exocetus Marine who did all the cad files, its really satisfying when you put the pieces together and they just fit, its also reassuring that what I have built is right :) Kev

[@markfrost9087]

@@saltlightdix4704 the scope of the project is so immense. It's such a challenge such huge projects. So many plates to keep spinning. And just to maintain motivation over such a long period of time. You must have developed a keen sense of perseverance/resilience.

[@markfrost9087]

Have you built other boats before this one?

[@saltlightdix4704]

@@markfrost9087 It can be trying somedays, on those days it’s best to either focus in on 1 job to complete or just leave and have a day off. Part of the project is to build a community where guys can come and hang out, sometimes they help and sometimes we drink coffee and chat…. With my really bad Japanese

[@dannasser6245]

Hello Kev, that is very light construction (and very strong) and a testament to how well the DH550 Sails, especially in light wind. She is a performance cat, no doubt. Greetings from Florida! D & A

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Dan, yeah looking forward to seeing how well she performs. Im glad you guys were able to visit when you did, anytime you're in the area....alway welcome Kev

[@davidantill6949]

The build is coming on fantastically. I'm looking forward to learning more about the engines

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi David, thanks for your comment. There will be an update on the engines coming out soon. Watch this space Kev

[@bobsamchuck5691]

Great work thanks for sharing

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi , thanks so much for your encouraging comment, stay tuned for more. Kev

[@dancarter482]

Just had ago at the designers web page - nice to see a forward cockpit etc. It is basically a _Chris White_ design! Fair play!

[@kevin-vt7dw]

Keep up the videos. I'm sure it's hard to do, but I enjoy this type of build, and I'm sure others do too

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Kevin, hahah, yeah they are quite time consuming to make and Im happy you're enjoying them. Im working on another plan, stay tuned for more info Kev

[@edwardhaigh4249]

Good to see you Kev, always seems like a long time between drinks, boat is coming together very nicely, good skills mate,cheers from Australia.

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Edward, thanks for you nice comment Yeah its a bit time consuming making the videos, working on a alternative plan, stay tuned Kev

[@rhyslightning3379]

Fantastic work as always, Kev! Great to see the interior coming together

[@saltlightdix4704]

Thanks mate, yeah Im really happy with the progress so far......just got to keep the pace up a bit :) Kev

[@eppot1]

waiting 4 next puzzle video 🙂

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hahaha, yeah this one was a bit of a puzzle....in fact a lot of the boat has been like that......where does this piece go? Kev

[@davidantill6949]

Nice one Kev! 👍🏻

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

As someone whose built RC model boats and aircraft the slotting together of the pre-cuts is remarkably relatable 😂 just easier handling the parts .. though self wicking Cyano glue makes wing building a lot quicker. Just don't get stuck to the parts as they set. 😉🧙🏻‍♂️👍🏼😎

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Clive, in Sept/Oct we usually have a lot of schools kids come by to have a look, and we use that example of building model boats and planes.......just on a bigger scale......much bigger scale :) Kev

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

@@saltlightdix4704 That's 😎, it's one of the things that Rolls Royce looked for when recruiting apprentices.. and as you probably know the model boats and aircraft builders were pioneers of many boat and aircraft design advances, not least of which was electric power. 😁 Hybrid multi input electric power is the way to go in explorer and long distance cruising Yatchs. If only for the fuel saving and multiple layered simple propulsion reliability you get. See Windelo's work as I may have mentioned as well as others like Fantasia sailings DIY system. With Japan's strict older vehicle Testing regime I bet there's a ready supply of older E motors available.

[@saltlightdix4704]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 hmmmmm interesting comment. Stay tuned for my experience Kev

[@PN_48]

The phone text at 06:53 had me chuckling😂 Great work mate - looking good!

[@saltlightdix4704]

Thanks Kev

[@waynemillis4418]

Osaka Wayne vhere Kev and great to see that the ship is coming together with the weather becoming more pleasent. Still thinking of a visit as travel overseas is way too expensive.

[@saltlightdix4704]

Come on over, you're so close now with the Shinkansen line extended. Your welcome anytime Kev

[@waynemillis4418]

@@saltlightdix4704 Many thanks Kev for the invite but from Kansai Airport area to you, perhaps a car is more convenient.

[@saltlightdix4704]

You are probably right there, still not that far .........come on over :)

[@waynemillis4418]

@@saltlightdix4704 How can I contact you away from this public chat?

[@robinengland5799]

You are really doing an excellent job on your boat, can’t imagine how much work you have already done!!! Do you already have your sailing voyages planned? I Sure they will be amazing for you and your wife!! Thanks for the videos.

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Robin, thanks for your comments. At this stage the only major trip will be back to Australia so I can share with my family and friends what Ive been doing these last few years. Kev

[@timden5431]

Great work Kev!

[@saltlightdix4704]

Thanks Tim Kev

[@normanboyes4983]

You are making great progress Kevin and it is remarkable just how much detail,construction and fitment you achieve in each video. Do you have a project plan with the key milestones it might prove useful to the viewer for context, I am not talking about calendar dates or anything silly like that more just an overview of sequence, what is considered complete, in progress, what’s left and what’s next. Cheers😀👍⛵️

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Norman, at this stage of construction Im just doing everything I can do to get the main structure of the boat done. In an up coming video I will talk about some of what has been going on in the background and my plans going forward over the next few months, hope that helps. Stay tuned Kev

[@solomani-42]

Kev do you work on her everyday a little or is it more focused? For example spending entire weekends on her?

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi, its my full-time job, just don't paid :) I work mostly 6 days a week on her Kev

[@solomani-42]

@@saltlightdix4704 nice 😊

[@tonyfarrar7410]

Love the build, curious about any, if at all, fibreglass cloth being used, was there any used on the inside or exterior of the hulls

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Tony the design is mostly marine plywood and epoxy resin. There is some fibreglass cloth on strategic bulkheads and joints as well as the keel section of the hulls. Kev

[@tonyfarrar7410]

Doesn't it concern you that it wouldn't take much of an impact or even a slight scuff to take the resin off under the water, resulting in water ingress into the marine ply leading to rot and all sorts of problems

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Tony, I think that each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, there are quite a lot of older plywood boats, if finished properly will last the test of time and use. Yes there is always risk of damage, but tests have shown that epoxy treated plywood has a much higher tensile strength than fibreglass. I'm trying to make sure that all surfaces of plywood and especially any areas exposed to water of any kind will have been coated in at least 2 (for interiors) and 3 coats of epoxy for outside. The DH550's have been working well without any issues, so I'm confident that Dudleys design will work well. Kev

[@tonyfarrar7410]

Do you have plans for sailing destinations and is it going to be full time sailing

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Tony, it's a good question. I definitely want to sail back to Australia......Not sure how my wife will go sailing.....will have to wait and see Kev

[@dancarter482]

47 feet - that's more like it. Don't understand why people go through all the blood, sweat and tears of building their own vessel and skimp on crucial waterline length! Wave piercing bows and daggerboards too I hope?

[@saltlightdix4704]

Hi Dan, thanks for joining us in the adventure. I did look at the DH550 but thought that it was just a bit too much boat to build and fit out, in hindsight it probably wouldn't have cost that much more or taken that much longer time wise......hindsight is a wonderful thing Well I got 1 out of 3, Dudley does have some strong opinions re wave piercing bows and I did go with the mini keels for a couple of reasons. Apparently there is not a lot of difference between the performance of daggers and keels, they are easier and quicker to build and the boat can easily sit on the keels on the hard or sandbank Yes Dudley & Chris share the same thoughts about the forward cockpit, and its something that I think is a good thing. Stay tuned for more Kev