Race Boat Refit: New Stern Design [E27]

#boatbuilding #boatrestoration #refit #sailboat #boat #sailing #solosailing
I've learned how to use CAD and it's turning out to be an awesome tool for designing the new stern. I also continue preparations on the stern to begin the build in the next episode and give a mast update.
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Previous episodes:
Episode 1: • Following Matt as he t...
Episode 2: The Short Boat Tour: • Episode 2 - The short ...
Episode 3: Not Just Any Boat: • Episode 3: Not Just An...
Episode 4: It's All Gotta Go: • Episode 4: It's All Go...
Episode 5: Engine Removal: • Episode 5: I Dropped t...
Episode 6: Bow shed build: • Bow Shed Build!
Episode 7: Cutting out the cockpit: • Episode 8 - mocking up...
Episode 8: Mocking up the bulkhead: • BONUS to Episode 8: H...
Episode 9: Building the main bulkhead: • Episode 9 - Building t...
Episode 10: Bulkhead Business: www.youtube.co....
Episode 11: www.youtube.co....
Episode 12: www.youtube.co....
Episode 13: www.youtube.co....
Episode 14: www.youtube.co....
Episode 15: • Ep. 15: Traveler Bulkh...
Episode 16: • Ep 16: These Deck Beam...
Episode 17: • Ep 17: A Hidden Gem in...
Episode 18: • Boat Refit: The Hardes...
Episode 19: • Doghouse Roof Disaster...
Episode 20: • Doghouse Roof Build: D...
Episode 21: • Boat Refit: Bulkheads ...
Episode 22: • Sailboat Refit: A Lami...
Episode 23: • Sailboat Refit: Windsc...
Episode 24: • Sailboat Refit: The Pa...
Episode 25: • Our Path to Duracell [...
Episode 26: • Sailboat Refit: A Hidd...

[@trevorhenderson6136]

#3 after over 20 years of offshores crushing from New Zealand I recommend that you have as large as possible swim step. It helps so much with access to the boat for loading/unloading as you will be doing a lot of this from your tender when cruising Good luck

[@TheDuracellProject]

You nailed it. I like large swim steps, and ease of build.

[@ronvm2249]

Agreed !

[@boatbikemike8571]

I’d vote for #2, but i think I’d be going for even more cockpit space. Maybe a fold down swim step like Juneau uses, carrying the full height of the hull shell all the way aft?

[@stefanvanrensburg6096]

My preference also

[@aaronp1434]

Hello from Ontario Canada, Oh the three transom designs you’ve drawn, I like number 2 best. Personally I’d like to suggest a 4th design, a hybrid design with a “closed” in transom that incorporates a fold down swim platform. I feel this gives the best of both cockpit security while on passage and openness when anchored giving access to your tender and water activities. ~cheers Aaron

[@JMunsonII]

I was thinking the same thing, noting all the open designs. Might help with keeping following seas from swamping the aft end...

[@Tomm9y]

I agree, a closed transom is better, particulary as new cockpit seats are shown a few feet in from the stern. As a family cruiser, more protection is good. Although one benefit of an open design is that the arch can be lower and therefore lighter, it may not be much but it would save weight at an extremity and high above the deck. Failing #4, I would vote for #3 as it seems angular like the new deckhouse.

[@777rogerf]

Could self-drainage be designed into a full-height transom?

[@alexandermenzies9954]

@@JMunsonII Way to go. Open transoms are fine in sheltered waters but a wet nuisance once land is out of sight . Since this is a cruising project any invitation to invite water aboard is an invitation to cope with the unwanted; the open transom may look "racey" but i didn't think that was the aim.

[@aaronp1434]

@@777rogerf I’ve never saw an enclosed cockpit without some form of self drainage.

[@williamgarry2635]

I’m not a boat person but I like #1. Number 2 seems fussy and #3 is a lot of straight lines for a boat with beautiful curves. Number 1 has simple lines and reflects the graceful curves on the boat.

[@ChargeCoupledDevice]

Love Design 1, seems the most cohesive with the hull shape...

[@diesel748]

I like the angular design of 3 along with the integrated step.

[@niccolobonferroni1244]

Design #2 Consider a folding platform Add protection when closed and open up space when open

[@SailorJames]

Love the cat drinking your water 😂 thanks for making these videos!

[@TheDuracellProject]

La Pawz does exactly what she pleases. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Viendopiedra5029]

Id vote for a refinement of #3, Id also look into closing of the stearn and think about how you either want to sit or stand to drive the boat. Ive never been partial to exposed transoms on a cruiser, to many waves into the cockpit washing things away, not to mention small kids and pets.

[@Bruin4Life]

Personally I vote for design #1 based on the requirements that you set out of maximizing the space for entertaining visitors on the boat and room for sitting and eating etc.

[@RexrMan]

Number two! But to be honest they all look like great options

[@jonking6715]

I vote for #2, but challenge you to come up with an elegant design to carry the dinghy… they always seem to be an after thought and I think you have a great opportunity to incorporate it into the design of your transom.

[@lespomeroy]

The Andrew 70 stern at 15:19 gets my vote. The proportion of the steps may influence the rake of the transom rather than the other way around.

[@lespomeroy]

Oops. Time should be 11:49.

[@cornhole9699]

Defo design#2 looks bests

[@mikejansen1515]

Definitely no 2. The nice roundings complement the transom.

[@ainord1]

Hi Matt, I would take into consideration that the transom should also have the ability to attach a vane steering system. I also would point you to Sailing Camara Ep1 refit of 80ft racing boat in NZ for their keel redesign for cruising. Enjoying you work

[@TheDuracellProject]

I LOVE what Camara did with their keel, seems bomb proof, and they can stand the boat on it.

[@DifrantDrumer]

I think #2 looks the best

[@frankvandeven2378]

Hi Matt. At 0:03 into the video we see a nice image of the grid substructure of Duracell and so my choice would be the transom that best integrates the point loads of the chainplates for the split backstay into this grid (as with the other chainplates). There is a comment by Andrew about a wind vane location and another about davits and so I would also consider the structural elements that underpin such installations (if that's where you wish to go). Enjoying watching journey from New Zealand. I was anticipating seeing you break out the "French Curves" and pinning flexible battens to the side of the hull... Best wishes and don't rush the design phase!

[@TheDuracellProject]

I will be installing extra bulkheads under the deck to transfer loads of chainplates and the like into the hull. I won't be cutting the entire transom off, so I'll be tabbing to that transom, which in turn is tied to the 'grid' structure you speak of.

[@frankvandeven2378]

@@TheDuracellProject Cool. Remember, Form always follows Function. With all the great comments and support you are receiving, we all look forward to a great rebirth of the vessel.

[@MrCrabbing]

I like stern 2 with the shape in the side benches, I hope you will have something to keep the cat safe from going out of the stern and it was great to see him helping with the CAD stuff

[@jumpfourjoy8053]

#2 looks pretty good 👍

[@PaulSmith-hu5su]

I vote option #1 to be the most aesthetically pleasing

[@flyinguy86]

#2 with the step from 3. 2 has good lines.

[@oscarguerin8169]

I think the first design looks the best

[@mattpedersen1312]

One hint on the CAD files. These types of free programs often go to a paid model after they get enough users. So try to save the 3D model in a neutral format like stp or iges when you're done, so you don't have to recreate it a few years down the road. 2D should get exported to .dwg or .dxf format, which are pretty universal.

[@TheDuracellProject]

good tip, thx!

[@h2ohous]

Matt, it took me several viewings of each of the designs for the stern to come up with my favorite as being number one. I think the curves look best on that design than it does on the number two. version. I originally thought I’d like the angles of design three but decided that just didn’t fit with the curves of the hull

[@scottjohanson1313]

Hello Matt, I agree with Donald Waterhouse on this one completely. But the thought of an 4th design suggested by Aaron P is very intriguing too. A Design with the option to choose between open and closed is very smart I think. Keep up with this project, I am very impressed.

[@jerrysmith3515]

Thank you for the episode listing. My choice is #1. I think it best fits the overall design of the boat. But make the swim platform bigger for easier boarding from the water. Good luck. ⛵

[@michielderuyter6011]

#2 fits the boat 💪💯

[@michaeleast4849]

#2 seems to have the best flow

[@shovington67]

I also like design number 2, for its aesthetics. Although it will be the hardest to build and get right, it does give a very modern look to your boat. I did however read the comment by a sailor from New Zealand, who likes design number 3, because his experience with loading and unloading his boat, and I feel that its a good point. You however will have to make the decision between beauty and practicality.

[@Abc-kf4qx]

Design #4…fold down transom. Meets all your needs and then some. Huge swim deck when down, enclosed cockpit when up, best of both worlds. Good luck

[@toddmckinney8318]

Agree with Dan Wood, I like design option 3

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Enjoying how Matt explains his thought process. Am pretty sure he rather be working with his hands. I like 3 but 2 is a so close 1 would be great also.

[@TW-AZ]

Design #2 by a pretty large margin. I think it fits the design language of the boat better and would look more like it was built that way.

[@ld4677]

Engineering, architecture, and hard work! LOVE IT!!!!!

[@Lighthouse6b]

I sailed two rallies with Crazy Horse years ago from Norfolk to Tortola. The crew described the ride like was tight, uncomfortable, but fast. We beat them on corrected time on a 50 ton 60+ footer thar was comfortable, fast, and fully equipped with a crew of 6. Their boat had no beam, was too light, difficult to sail. I also hired a crew member from a similar boat - Fazizi (sp) , a Russian entry in an around the world race. He said it was sailing a submarine. Beam is important for both stability and water one length. My beam was 17+ feet and when it healed 22 degrees, the waterline increased dramatically. ,

[@RogerThatSailing]

Full confidence you’ll make whatever one works best for you and I’m very excited to see the transformation

[@quimzerwashington]

WOW! That jogged some memory cells that I have forgotten about. Back before the time of the dinosaurs, I was at Cal-Poly getting an aerospace engineering degree and one of the projects I did was to design a keel for a sailboat. It required transferring paper plans of the boat to a cad drawing. Turns out I did not have enough of the drawing to transfer it to the Design Cad so never was able to. I had completely forgotten about that! I would go for #2. Looks good you guys :-)

[@oldshad65]

Just love the way you dig right in on the modifications. You’re obviously a competent builder and confident in your decisions. Very efficient and fun to watch.

[@runristaren2]

Take in concideration the deck-hardware as well when doing the stern. Solarpanels Dingy Bimini Inclosure Steering Access Fishing Loading/unloading And so on.

[@stashtrey1]

I dig #3....pleasing to the eye and looks very useful.

[@saylaveenadmearedead]

#1 if that was your 1st choice. I often find myself going back to my 1st choice in most things in life...

[@andreasweber7828]

#3 looks sweet

[@davidnormandin5428]

I'd like to see a hybrid of 2&3 keep the curves make the platform deeper and keep the step for the little people with a handhold molded in at the deck level. I know it will be more work but it follows the form of the stern.

[@dempseyconor]

Transom no 3 for me , I think it will bring the look and feel of the hull into the 21st century !

[@timmy_monaz]

I like the modern lines and look of #3. It should also tie in nicely with the sharper lines you've created across the saloon space also....

[@davidperrott4502]

Design #2 has the lines of style that look original curves of the design whilst the other 2 look like a cut-out after thought of a previously enclosed transom/stern

[@ernest795]

I would recommend an enclosed cockpit with a door to the swim platform. Many times on passage it is nice to have an integrated swim platform you can easily use vs having to drop a fold down one. I would recommend a much larger platform than the designs you have thus far created. at 60' you will have plenty of cockpit space so don't skimp on the swim platform.

[@rickcockcroft7590]

I totally agree, a watertight door makes a lot of sense, rather than open transom. When you have kids on board, this will help, and sailing in a following sea it will be dryer. I raced too many nights in boats with open transom , and wet cockpit as a result. If you go with a transom door, you could also drop the cockpit floor giving a higher freeboard in the cockpit, and benches will be more comfortable as a result. Love what you are doing, good luck on getting the right mast and the continuing project.

[@SalingSamantas]

I just found your channel a few days ago. I'm also refitting a sailboat and documenting the processes here on KZbin. I enjoy watching/learning how different ones approach this kind of project. It has been a great place to find both inspiration, and motivation.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Awesome, will check out your project and best of luck!

[@bdhconst]

I like #3. It is more of an updated look and larger swim step

[@angela1984a]

#2. But I guess I also prefer this one: "Maybe a fold down swim step like Juneau uses, carrying the full height of the hull shell all the way aft?"

[@TheDuracellProject]

I agree that folding swim platforms are nice. I am going to lean towards simplicity always. Folding platforms are more difficult to engineer and build, and then any moving part has to be maintained.

[@angela1984a]

@@TheDuracellProject I can understand that. Fair winds

[@crankyoldguy2]

I sailed a lot in the choppy waters off Cape Cod, and following seas were definitely an issue. Whichever design you choose, close in the transom and put in a door. You will regret not doing that if you're in the Atlantic and you're in large following seas that are sweeping into your cockpit.

[@philiphicks2530]

#3, love the look. Who would imagine, rusty, hard to remove bolts on a boat!

[@dray050653]

Before I choose it would be nice to see where the helmsman station is located? Keep up the good work! Not a big fan of steering at the extreme rear of a vessel.

[@gerdriechers8426]

No.3 wide open clear form and sturdy. Water runs off easily.

[@johanneshart8412]

#2 - elegant, well integrated, functional. Good luck!

[@jaylayton28]

I vote #2 definitely the best one!

[@bruceslater5729]

I like #3 the best. Also I might add make sure you have benches longer than 6’ , when sailing short handed the other person nearly always ends up sleeping in the cockpit and nothing is worse than a short bench.

[@imabeliever244]

Because I'm old, if it were mine to rebuild, I think that I would make the top of the vertical part of the new transom even with the side deck...with a pass-through/gate in the center. My reasoning for this would be both for safety and for additional wrap-around seating in the stern, which would create more deck storage as well under the seating. Yes, I understand how much more work this solution would be. haha Glad I don't have to do it!

[@steveraleigh100]

It's a joy to see the plans. I love looking at plans for boats, seeing the lines etc, just as much as seeing the actual boat. BTW, awesome frogs you have there.

[@steveraleigh100]

Also, I know it's way too late, but I like #1.

[@hamishkirkness6933]

My vote is for #1. It's very similar to our boat except that it's closed at the step to the cockpit sole. I know that you like the open transom but we are very happy with the swim platform and the safety for the kids and the added structural strength for the backstays. Love what you are doing with Duracell. Fast cruiser is a sweet concept. Very seaworthy.

[@mikshepherd]

I love the curves on design number 2, but the side step in design 3 looks like it could be useful given the height of the swim step. I am one of your viewers that came over from sailing melody, I am fascinated by the refit process of boat structures. I love your new doghouse design, and it looks like you’ll gain a huge amount of space in extending the hull backwards, perhaps a complete extra cabin area! Great project guys, and carry on smashing it!

[@bogus_not_me]

I like #2 best. Your skills are amazing and I have no doubt you will be successful. Jenn is very good as commentator!

[@TheDamnSpot]

#2 and I know what I'm talking about. I once stayed overnight on a sailboat. At least I think it was a sailboat. Had those pointy things with the canvas on it. Anyway, for sure #2

[@hotcarnomoney7879]

#3 looks the best to me

[@Marcellus.]

Number 3 looks and works fine when at anchor 👌🏻

[@terrya6806]

1 looks to flow best 2 looks the most difficult! With that reversed curve. 3 would give more room for the step and probably easier to build! Possibly add a second step up?

[@dcallan812]

For me number 2 nice lines and still with the curve of the hull.You could moked them up with stiff card or flexible wood. But that first cut is the deepest no going back. great video 2x👍

[@jonhering5660]

My vote is for #2, great work so far and I look forward to see this through to the finish!

[@Ricky32908]

Design #2! Definitely. I’m a CAD designer for boat decks, trust me. Your don’t want sharp corners where people will be

[@Magnacorpanicous]

My vote is 1. 2 has some inner compound curves that look tricky and I admire 3. Maybe lift location if lowest deck to make it wider? With a wooden deck that goes out even further - the last part wider and longer.

[@frankschursky6585]

Great episode!! I like 3! I think it goes more with the original lines of the boat. Gives it a race feel to the transom.

[@kiwinewz2042]

I had a slide rule moment there for a sec. Same protractor set🙃🇳🇿 I learned CAD when it was starting to impact Industry then topped up early 2000s. Then again with my son during his High-school year’s. He’s a double degree major Computer Science and deployed with NZEF, ANZAC combined units. I studied Draughting Architecture, Design, Mechanic’s and Physics so set rule etc. Headaches

[@sebell69]

Design 3 but w/a bigger lip as the last step and the reason why is room to sit down before you jump into the water, if your snorkeling or diving gives you room to sit on the lip and have a jump off (as well when you come around with a dingy (or paddle board, or kayak, etc) Of course thats just my humble opinion its your Ship and your dream!

[@mattpedersen1312]

So I liked the transom face of #1 the best. #2 looks to have some problems with the cockpit sides tapering inward, that looks like it will collect water when you are heeled. I like swim steps that are wide enough to sit on with legs athwartships, and that you can turn around on comfortably. But you will have to weigh that against taking length from the cockpit sole. I'd personally make the cockpit work for sailing/steering comfortably first, it literally is a game of inches and mocking up is really helpful.

[@timkoehl]

Love the Vermont Castings grill. I had mine for years. I wish i could still get them. Really looking forward to following you on this journey.

[@philbox4566]

2:24, correction. CAD is an acronym for carboard aided design. :) Oh that compass drafting set. Mmmmm, I so much want. My favourite subject at school.

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Awesome episode! Keep rolling Duracell team!! 👍👍👊👊⛵⛵

[@cool2bcorey]

#2 has a nice flow to the haul of the boat Maybe an inset step center the width of swim platform 🤔

[@Brian-os9qj]

#3 version. The step on port side makes it real

[@dr.echevers]

I would vote for #2 too.

[@Coffee2clutch]

I just ended about 8 hours bingeing your series, subscribed and looking forward to more.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Wow! Glad to have you aboard.

[@777rogerf]

Great videography: even recording the inspiration coming down on Matt at 4:24. :)

[@TheDuracellProject]

thanks, Roger! --Janni

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Stern #2 please. The others look blockier

[@RagtimeBillyPeaches]

My choice would be Design 1. Though I'd prefer to have, maybe, a 10 degree slope to the transom plane. This would be holding the deck/transom intersection where you show it, and lengthening the bottom of the hull a bit.

[@richardgriffin5349]

I vote two I think with that design it will best suit the lines of the boat

[@coldog9788]

No 2 would be my choice .....great project 👍🏼

[@kiweekeith]

Thanks a Stack 'Guys', just love your vidclips .... Have actually 'Binge Watched' ALL of your vidclips. As a retired 'Engineer', Toolmaker, Fitter Turner, CNC machinist etc., I can Really Appreciate what you Both are trying to achieve .... and .... With so much Enthusiasm, Drive and Dedication. Keep well and Stay safe ..... Very Best to All from ChCh, NZ

[@TheDuracellProject]

Thanks Keith :)

[@johnmccormick2398]

Definitely #2. But the step up to the cockpit is too high in my experience(20 yr cruising). Maybe look at the height of the swim platform as it should be I suggest the height of the top of your tender side pods. Maybe this lifts the swim platform enough to reduce the stepup . Otherwise the Jeaneau solution.

[@TheDuracellProject]

I plan on steps up to the cockpit from the swim step, or one step, it will only be about 16-17".

[@direwolf4849]

Definitely No 2,the arcs flow closely with the existing hull lines

[@billedgecombe9040]

I prefer # 1 , however I am not a fan of an open stern ,seems a little unprotcted in heavy seas

[@wkw4095]

looking at the 3 together @ 5:23 Maybe the bottom considering you took the top and middle and made this. This would be #1

[@SkiFanatix]

I vote #1. Flows with the hull best, I think.

[@kingfisherfd2]

Design 2 looks like it flows with the shape of the hull. It also looks like a contemporary design. I wonder how it would look with the dog house shape. If the dog house has more angular design features then one of the more angular cockpits might be a better fit.

[@andysimons9226]

With absolutely no qualifications to make any kind of decision, I would go for #3. I am really enjoying watching your project and am slightly in awe of the amount of hard work you are putting in to it, we'll done! I've sailed on a couple of classic yachts, a 1959 Nicholson and a 1935 Abeking and Rasmussen called "Overlord". Overlord is "owned" by the Offshore Cruising Club, or was at the time. She was originally war booty. It's an interesting story. Anyway, the more work you did on her, the more free sailing you were allowed. I did a fair amount of work for a few years. I'm sure that Duracell will be a beauty, can't wait to see the finished project.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Overlord sounds like a cool boat. Thanks for following along, Andy!

[@jackrose1554]

I like design #2. It flows really well. Good luck!

[@doradosurfcharters]

You will know which one is best just put plenty of rake forward aft so water doesn’t collect 👍

[@andyphillips9582]

Hey, great project, I think you should pop for transom design 3 - remember you're going to have to get up inside the transom space to bond it all in, #2 looks like there isn't much space. best of luck with the rest of the project, thanks for sharing

[@Longboarding757]

As I think it would be the most difficult with the curves the look of #2 is my favorite of the 3 designs. Keep up the great work!

[@hauglandcato]

Great ideas, I think #2 works best as you continue the shape of the cockpit sides when going down into the step/scoop. Maybe you could try to parallell the outer edge of the transom more in the curve itself. A step, moulded in as a negative shape or added like in #3 is also smart.

[@lonniekropf808]

My vote is #2. Had to watch a few times to decide. I’m sure it will look great no matter which you choose. Aloha.