BULLET-PROOF Steering System for Our Aluminum Catamaran 💣 Building Our Own Boat Pt. 11

[@extremelydave]

Brian is so lucky to have found Dan. It's priceless to have a guy that you can have total confidence in. Dan, you rock!!!

[@carlvandenberg140]

No luck...brian would have researched thoroughly...he always of such sound mind.

[@svdelos]

Indeed we are, he's an absolute legend!

[@MrJames_1]

Totally. I wish there was a fantasy Dan to build my fantasy boat with my fantasy money ;-)

[@danmeiss]

I like the system by system videos. The deeper the details the better for some of us engineers. Fun to watch how Brian thinks about it.

[@koiphish333]

Yes! It is exciting to see a hybrid system. A full electric with genset backup/assist seems not so optimal for a long distance cruiser. A total of 10% effeciancy loss with an electrical linkage could be substantial increase fuel costs if that is main usage of fuel. Brian, can you talk about why you choose to skip the re-gen feature on a catamaran sailboat where it is the most effective due to higher hull speeds. Does re-gen still somewhat fail in water propulsion systems vs electric cars? It is a challenge to make a feature economical when it only works during sail power for long durations like a crossing which is still typically less than 10% of time on a live-aboard boat. Then there are the efficiency losses of hydro generation (re-gen) at lower speeds with "liquid linkages". Lastly maybe you have enough roof room on a cat to have more PV solar gen which is much more effective and economical for electricity generation for propulsion assistance.

[@svdelos]

Think you will loooove next week's episode then! We get deep into the nitty gritty as we install the electrical backbone of Delos 2.0 ⚡

[@chrisp9818]

I’m curious how much flex is built into the steering column. I imagine once it’s installed, and the whole boat is finished, that there will still be some flex in a boat that big cruising through pretty big swell at some point or other, yes?!? Love the content and your journey! Cheers, Chris

[@4437RR]

Brian, you've really hit your stride: Engineering, Innovating and Entertaining! All while building a dream home/world transporter. Family by your side and pitching in. What more could you ask for? And the construction team? A perfect fit.🎉🎉

[@svdelos]

Thanks so much! Stoked you're enjoying the vids!

[@fionaladlow1476]

As a fellow Queenslander, damn proud of Dan & Kurt!! Brian is so lucky to have found you guys. You are doing Aussies proud!👏👏👏😂🇦🇺

[@svdelos]

Absolute legends!

[@jimmy-buffett]

Came here 4 years ago for a sailing channel to escape from covid, ended up at an engineering channel showing every decision about every subsystem. As a fellow engineer, I'm loving it. Take the thing you're most experienced with, then every "I wouldn't have done it that way" observation, and now you get to do it exactly how you want. Every benefit when you're back out on the water is yours to take credit for, and every "oops" is also yours 🙂the way it should be. And all these hours of decisions and engineering will make the return to sailing at some point that much better. Keep it up team!

[@reed785M]

Hope you have gone back and watched all the old episodes. I started watching in 2015 and some of the best “seasons” are the early/mid one.

[@wallstbull1]

Same 😂

[@svdelos]

Totally! Sure there will definitely be some "oops"s but as always we will work it out as we go! Glad you're enjoying all our different chapters of the journey 🥰

[@R33F3RMONSTER]

Watching Dan work is so satisfying. His attention to detail is outstanding.

[@soggybottom3463]

Brian, working with the team at Stradbroke is total gold dust. Getting these core systems installed with care, professional advice and assistance is all just on another level. This is how boats should be built...Just incredible, 5 stars all ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@koiphish333]

@svdelos Yes! It is exciting to see a hybrid system. Alternatively, a full electric with genset backup/assist seems not so optimal for a long distance cruiser. A total of 10% efficiency loss with an electrical linkage could be substantial increase fuel costs if that is main usage of fuel. Brian, can you talk about why you choose to skip the re-gen feature on a catamaran sailboat where it is the most effective due to higher hull speeds? Some of my thoughts: Does re-gen still somewhat fail in water propulsion systems vs electric cars? It is a challenge to make a feature economical when it only works during sail power for long durations like a crossing which is still typically less than 10% of time on a live-aboard boat. Then there are the efficiency losses of hydro generation (re-gen) at lower speeds with "liquid linkages". Lastly maybe you have enough roof room on a cat to have more PV solar gen which is much more effective and economical for electricity generation for propulsion assistance.

[@electric-boat]

@@koiphish333 They didn't skip the regen, the Combi hybrid and inboard systems supplied by NZ Electric Boat Co have excellent regen performance while sailing.

[@MikeNOtie]

There couldn’t be a more prefect way to build a boat imo. The guys you get to work with everyday couldn’t be any more awesome to spend all that time with-laid back, sense of humor, always seem happy to be there. Im so happy for you guys. You all deserve all the success and excitement to come!

[@svdelos]

Thanks so much Mike, we're feeling pretty stoked and grateful for how amazingly its all coming along 🙌

[@NapFloridian]

Dan is so much fun to watch at work.... his sense of humor is outstanding.

[@svdelos]

He's hilarious for sure 😂

[@mikeyc181]

I am glad you guys are showing all of this content on why you chose certain systems over others and the challenges of placement, the focus on accuracy to the mm. Nerding out every Friday with these videos, well done guys. These could easily be an hour episodes ...just saying. Much love from Canada.

[@svdelos]

Thanks so much Mikey, glad you're loving it! Next week's vid scores pretty high on the geeking out scale too, I think you'll really enjoy it!

[@ejs6010]

Brian will know Delos 2.0 literally inside out. What incredible work!

[@svdelos]

That's what we wanted out of doing the build this way...we definitely need help especially with the welding but I wanted to be hands on with design, planning, and build so that I can really know every single millimeter of this boat!

[@robertwhittaker6999]

It must be an overwhelming mammoth project. Silly question: does the whole boat get built there by the same guys, or do you have contractors coming in to do electrical and plumbing works? having said that I’ve seen enough of your videos to know you could probably do it all on your own Brian Here is a small gift for your amazing videos. Take care and be safe.💚

[@tomi6261]

I am TOTALLY "nerding out" with Brian watching this build series. Loving every second of the videos and learning so much. But mostly, I am so stoked for them. They are going to end up with an amazing vessel, that they helped build by hand. The joy, pride and happiness for the family is going to be simply off the charts once she is complete!!! Cheering you folks on over here! Go Delos 2.0!!!!!

[@Furree_68]

I appreciate that you have converted to the Metrics Brian. Welcome to the right side! 😁

[@RAEckart22]

Except temperature, Fahrenheit please, lol

[@svdelos]

🫡

[@captainrich1]

Thanks for everything! Over many years of watching you two from when Brady and you were together before Kaz... So Lucky to be able to watch after having to get rid of my boat because of health reasons. Especially enjoy the 12episodes so far on building your new boat! Keep it up! So much enjoyment...

[@russbetts1467]

Ahoy, Cap'n Rich. Life can be a real bummer. Like you, I've had to give up many things in recent years, because of advancing years and health issues. Motor Racing; Mountaineering and - being English - Morris Dancing. Too many crashes, falls and knackered knees, but loads of Happy Memories, so it was all worth it. So now we live our adventurous inclinations through others and we can still enjoy a drop of 'Nelson's Blood'. Russ. UK.

[@Heathaze813]

Love how analytical you are Brian. The level of trust I would have with you on a boat would be very high. You don't just wing it on anything.

[@YSALF]

An excellent and intelligent decision to build their own cat and aluminum alike, opening the doors for new and incredible navigations to places that other channels have not reached. I am happy for Bryan and his family because without a doubt this will take this channel to the levels that they deserve, with us being their winning followers along with them. In addition, it is an ideal boat to eventually have a new baby in the family!

[@Cameron-ur2tk]

You're working with some legends there; You guys picked a great builder.

[@svdelos]

100 percent!

[@noelle875]

"How It's Made" on steroids and I LOVE IT!!! Thanks for being so detailed in these videos. Could watch it three times through.

[@crowiesnest]

I love how Australia has turned Brian into a Metric Measurement Guru !

[@PhilandErika]

I noticed that too, both lengths and weights: lifelong yank converted to decimal too easy.

[@svdelos]

Hahaha this is so true 😂

[@BerantLemmenes]

I love the systems content and the rational behind your choices. More please!

[@svdelos]

Awesome! Stoked you're loving the build, and don't worry we've got plenty more comin' for ya!

[@rogerparker329]

It is impressive to see you being so hands-on not only with the build but also with the technical design. There are so many other sailing channels that are just trying to be cool and trendy rather than really thinking about what goes into the nuts and bolts of a long-lasting practical boat that is really fit to circumnavigate the globe multiple times, not just lasting a couple of years until the next in-trend boat builder wants you to endorse their boat.

[@lukemussett8511]

i really wonder how much of your audience understands what the welders are saying. Its the best thing ever

[@koborkutya7338]

quite an advanced hearing comprehension exercise

[@stargazer7644]

After watching several Aussie related channels for years I now use Aussie slang daily in the US.

[@erictrudel1164]

I’m french canadian 😅 so it was hard at first but now I get most of it. I just turn on subtitles for those few bits I dont get. A few google search for local expressions and slowly improving my aussie translation neurons.

[@rexmick]

Piece of piss, old mate is slowing the chat down for the camera.

[@shaeheart]

@@erictrudel1164as an Aussie this is hillarious. Dan's accent is quite strong

[@ing.arch.jankorab9067]

Hi guys, I admire your way of building. I would add few questions to check on the list before completing the cat. 1) Did you think about thermal expansion of the hull? I would be courious about important systems like steering - AL has 1mm for 1m heated for 50C. The steering shafts should swimm lenghwise. 2) did you think about inner hull water condesation and bildging or dehumidifiyng inner hull? (maybe just AC vent/intake/outake for dehumidifying?). 3) is a steering shaft and its bearing lubrication robust for being in salt water? 4) how do you solve emergency ruder lever? Thanks and I wish you smooth ongoing! Jan

[@davidjessee7701]

Brian you have come along way since stepping on Delos!!! You absolutely knew nothing about sailing or boats.. and look at you now! The vast amount of knowledge you have accumulated in a dozen years is astounding!!!!

[@HighMXHubby]

Two in one week! Thanks Brian and Kaza!

[@joshg2994]

Awesome episode! Thanks Delos Crew. It's a privilege to watch this all taking shape and now you're getting into the outfitting that I personally have been dying to see.

[@svdelos]

You're so welcome Josh, glad you're enjoying the build as much as we are 🙌

[@shoutatthesky]

I've seen a few videos where people have gone to places like Vietnam and Thailand to get their boat built and had endless problems with communication, poor quality work and design, and lack of honouring of warranties. It's so great that you have come to a modern and developed, English speaking country like Australia. The level of expertise and commitment to excellence you are getting is clearly superior. And it's looking absolutely mindblowing! This will be one hell of a capable boat! Incidentally, I went to school near where you are. It was around 1988 when I attended the very first day of schooling operations at Redlands College. I believe the principle's name was Mr. Todd. It was a very different time back then! I remember standing with the other kids and watching for snakes when land was being cleared with fire. We were expecting a horde of snakes to escape from the fire but I don't remember seeing any.

[@lindamedders6700]

Some of this goes over my head, but I love how you share the details that others can appreciate. See ya next week.

[@michaelmccune1821]

I have been watching you videos for a very long time and it's so exciting to see your family go through this big change. You were the reason my wife and I got are first boat. We learned so much from the first boat replacing floors all the electrical just short of gutting it. Last year we bought are dream boat and every timewe go out i feel spoiled. I hope you well feel the same.

[@svdelos]

That's so amazing Michael! Stoked you're living the dream out there, and yes we are loving the build of course but we are sooo looking forward to getting this baby out on the water!

[@owndvice]

I love to watch this boat come together and can't wait to the see the final product. In your previous walkthrough video you can tell how excited you are to have the punch list items you've wanted for so long on Delos. Congrats guys!

[@sstevenson638]

I hope you've done a stiffness analysis on the steering torsion tubes. I am a retired aerospace engineer and have seen several bad outcomes when designers try to use torsion tubes in small aircraft. Cables are used in most designs for a reason: they are much stiffer. Long torsion tubes can flex/twist excessively and create a spongy feel in the steering. In aircraft that can also create flutter problems because of the flexing. Torsion tubes can work, but they have to have sufficient diameter and thickness to make them rigid, and that adds excess weight.

[@S.L-Sully]

Thank you for letting us be apart of the build!!

[@jackpontiac9409]

I am amazed at how this channel has evolved over the years, yet still keeps the content so very interesting and fun. As always, I cant wait for next week.

[@koborkutya7338]

Brian is great in long term strategy too. This is testified by all the choices concerning this boat project and the boat itself, but also concerning timing of building it and the chosen kind of sailing it is built for. I have a hunch it will become more and more clear as time proceeds why these choices were made. Good job.

[@HUNZY-qo3cv]

This is going to be amazing, the feeling of setting sail for the first time in a boat you had a hand in every process and practically built from scratch!!!

[@goulash75]

As good as these videos are, my favourite part of ever Delos video is always the last three seconds. "Woohoo!" 😂

[@bigradar1]

Brian, I cant help but feel there is a battleship somewhere missing its steering system. That system is impressive and will give great peace of mind. It looks like it will give you instant steering response. Fair winds (eventually).

[@timbo50]

I don't usually leave comments, but for you guys, I'm making an exception. I love watching you build your killer aluminum boat. It's going to be amazing when it'd done. I enjoy how well it is explained. Unfortunately, I'm out of work, and money is really tight. But once I'm working, I will be joining your patreon account. Thanks for your great videos, and keep up the good fight!

[@Timw.320]

Wow , the mechanical part of the build is a treat. Very impressive engineering 👏

[@vallin411]

So many videos in such a short time, awesome!

[@Junkman444]

One of the factors I personally consider when purchasing anything is how much interaction I will have with said item. For steering, you will be interacting with it constantly and therfore your budget is virtually unlimited for that item. Nice series so far.

[@svdelos]

100 Percent this!!!!

[@johnharrison9317]

Projects require resource. Human resource is so important. What a great team with superb communication, skill and character.

[@andreashelgesson7713]

Tack för att ni gör min psykiska hälsa bättre. Jag är inspirerad av er resa. Efter många vändor av sjuksrivning beslöt jag mig för att göra det jag vill, så nu ska jag köpa en campervan och resa och träffa härligt folk. Kör hårt vänner!

[@SC-sz9ms]

This whole series has been a treat.

[@colinmansell3524]

Brian. A direct steering is by far better than an indirect system. Great idea, and a great video. See ya next week.

[@carlray7224]

"It'll turn the boat"😂😂😂 Bloody hope so after all this!! Whatever you blokes are paying Dan the man and his pirate crew it probably isn't enough , definitely a center of manufacturing excellence! And as a result the finished product I think we can all anticipate will be bullet proof. Very interesting and the explanations in layman's terms greatly enhance the presentation. Topped off by some first class editing. Much enjoyed!!!

[@aliciaschultz309]

I would love to see Brady and Blue come out for the maiden vouge. I can't wait till that video. And maybe take Delos home with them. You guys are great.

[@RobSharp-wo5qj]

You should have your brother come over during the build. The boat is looking great. The steering is going to be so nice to be able to feel the action of the rudders. I guess you will have access to any of the gear boxes and coupler’s on the shafts.

[@Cragun.]

Building your boat from the ground up you really get to know every square inch of it and how everything works. That is so cool.

[@patricedechabot1708]

So wonderful to see you so excited about your setting all the necessary gear in place, to see how fast things are going fast... You show so much joy and happiness with your team so friendly and efficient all together... Keep going as strong as ever !!! Plenty love from France !

[@CaptainKseadog1]

Thank you for sharing what few realize. That being how critical and intricate the placements, engineering, and designs are. It is literally like a space ship on the water. You and the entire build crew are amazing. So enjoying the journey. 😎

[@DXB711]

To be honest, I'm not a real 'let's watch this boat be built' kinda guy, but Brian is the best at keeping the interest level high. Well done!

[@carterluman6695]

I like watching the "I"ll fix this busted boat" channels. Not good enough for Brian "I"ll build my own boat" LOL. Delos, always going where no boat has gone before. Love the construction videos!

[@maryalanger2537]

The knowledge about how everything works in a boat is absolutely amazing! It’s like watching my husband talk about the ins and outs of a plane! 😂

[@TommyM-d6p]

Hey guys this is the old saltwater dog from lower Alabama I saw the post on Instagram today the 6th of November what shows a lot of completion stuff done which is cool you guys are having so much fun I'm so jealous that's for damn sure love you sharing your life and adventures and watching nugget grow up as a parent of two daughters and a son I loved every second of it and miss it although I've never met you I love you guys always that's for sure 🌴⛵🌈❤️

[@hopefulhope9123]

It is going to be awesome that he's going to know every single square inch of that boat and every single system and how it works and where it's at that is just going to be amazing

[@calevel]

Brian being a gear head makes this endeavor a lot more exciting for him. Your steering system design is solid man!! 👍

[@vanessavandervalk1084]

I absolutely love seeing a modern version of a boat with innovative components!! WOO HOO darling Sierra! 😍🙌💖... I miss seeing Sierra!

[@svdelos]

Thanks so much Vanessa, yeah we are definitely trying out some interesting set ups for our systems, I think you'll love next week's video too we get a bit experimental installing the electrical backbone that will run our power from the batteries to the hybrid electric propulsion system!

[@vanessavandervalk1084]

@@svdelosthat is FANTASTIC!!! I’m watching it now!! I’m so excited for you all!! 😍🙌💖💖💖

[@kevinandlorenasadventures]

It’s great to watch the progress. Always enjoy the thought that goes into the process and the fabrication to complete it. The amount of sailing experience definitely seems to help.

[@beverlyscheidt583]

I have watched different boat builds but this one beats them all so amazing to see !!

[@guyburton9475]

Another brilliant video. Your work relationship with Dan and his team is great and as a result, you are getting a very well built boat. Good stuff Dan.

[@michellereynolds6290]

Two videos in one week - what a treat! Excited to see systems starting to go in. Any idea when you think the boat will be done? Not sure if you have given an estimate previously, but was just curious if you had any idea. Regardless, really enjoying this build. Kudos!!

[@esmith1771]

In previous videos a Dec 2025 launch date was mentioned.

[@goulash75]

If you have ever watched another certain wooden boat build, you'll know the answer to that question is always, "in two years".

[@dtrguy2707]

Hey Brian! I just wanted to say as a “Practical Engineer” (not a real one, just an ex nuclear welder and and automotive restoration/car builder) I have a lot of respect for you getting so involved. I tend to do everything myself because I can due to training and experience. It’s not something everyone can do! Regarding the steering system… it seems like a rack and pinion system. That seems incredibly interesting! I think as long as the gear reduction is not too high it should have great feedback! No idea how someone would go about making that call! BTW we met Blue at the Fall 24 Annapolis show and I mentioned to her to tell you bravo for learning to weld and metal form! We are following!

[@esmith1771]

That autopilot is a beast! No messing around when it comes to get the good stuff for Delos 2.0

[@ThePasz]

Wow Brian !! Working in the shipyard has got you ripped.

[@gary.haynes]

This was actually very interesting and educational information, that I have wondered about, in regards to which systems to use, electrical, diesel, etc. Thank. Does anyone else agree?

[@4437RR]

"The only one I know of" concerns me somewhat but Brian doesn't make engineering decisions lightly.

[@wolddiego]

Thanks!

[@kevinz8867]

You guys are rocking it! I was skeptical on how this was gonna go but you're making me regret my words! Keep it up!

[@soloflight75]

I love the pushrods. When is comes to an airplane feedback the best I have ever felt was in a plane with pushrods. Cables stretch leading to slop. Your system is well thought out. One of my favorite features are those beefy skags. It looks like you will be ready to take in an orca.

[@Alan-J-Mock]

What a wonderful team, instructional, educational, but most of all the beauty of it all; Thank includes you, Brian ;-)))

[@artbonneau1386]

It’s like I am there,all your information and details are so interesting don’t change how you’re filming real good. Keep up the great work and will always be there to watch your progress.

[@littlegabe2520]

Love yalls work! Be mindful your boat can turn into an oven in direct sunlight but I love what yall do! And am happy for you all!

[@jeffbroome5192]

Hi guys from Portland Oregon! So cool to see the steering system go in. When she's done get that beast put o the PNW and I'll buy your family dinner and beers! And Sierra would really enjoy playing with my same age grand kids lol

[@MikeMichaels-f5i]

Two videos in one week ! Wow, thank You ! So great to see Your excitement with the build. With You both being involved from the beginning to the end, You will KNOW DELOS 2.0 like the back of your hands. 👍 Congratulations on the progress. Greetings from Cape Town. ⛵⛵

[@maxalot113]

This boat is socool! Cant wait to see the first time you use the beaching ability!

[@glennburch1081]

Dan is the man. I would trust anything he builds! Brian will be all over the shakedown cruise. Don't believe there will be anything he will not have the ability to diagnose. It has been an amazing experience as a viewer of these episodes, watching Brian grow right before our eyes. Delos 2 is going to be a SPECTACULAR BUILD when completed. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@paultabone2010]

I hope you’re having an amazing time in Australia 🇦🇺🇺🇸🐳🐬🐋🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

[@jyjspeed1]

Just mind blowing what y'all are doing!

[@ErikGsson]

When you were showing the autopilot, all i was thinking what will 10 year older Brian think of this, im very hopeful of this boats future ❤

[@Sky_KingMV]

17:57 - I saw Dan using a set of steel rules. Back in my AutoCAD days, I had a set because they're so accurate. Brings back fun memories.

[@mloret6745]

Your show has always been great, and now it's even better.

[@shaeheart]

I love that there is no ego, arguments or pissing match between Brian and Dan. It comes across as the perfect working relationship. Riley must be jealous - he wanted this hands-on involvement but I feel like he would have gotten in the way whereas Brian's involvement seems so organic

[@ayechillbro]

currently my favorite series on youtube!

[@davidr6045]

Your boat steering system is more like an automobile steering system. Feedback is nice. I always enjoyed the feeling of well, balanced sails and tiller on my 24 foot sloop and the mechanical link up of my twin rudders on my 16 foot catamaran.

[@tlowe2502]

Looking great guys, longtime subscribers that seldom comments. Really enjoying the build. Thanks again guys can't wait. Stay safe we love y'all. 👍🏻💕🐾

[@MooneShadow]

Amazing! How your putting it all together. Outstanding!

[@tomwilliams8675]

Definitely looking forward to the electrical systems install.

[@MrDannyr2000]

Brian another great episode really enjoying watching the build , you have a great team behind you , Dan really knows his stuff

[@Mtthyman]

2 videos this week! You spoil us 😊 love watching the progress ❤

[@thomasmoffatt]

An amazing collaboration of brilliant Aussie builders, thinking offshore sailors of experience, and DeVilliers a marine architect able to put stuff together. And calling on the best equipment fabricators, like Jefa from Denmark.

[@anothercar]

really nailed the editing on this one folks!

[@patrickedmonstone4712]

this is great, boats are more simple than most understand and you do a great job of showing this! get more into boating asap!!!!

[@andrewdavisca]

Woohooo ... another awesome video ... at first I thought that the building series wasn't going to be my thing... But Man what a build crew and so so interesting. Thank you for sharing

[@saintsi6997]

I'd put a support bearing in the middle of the Long shaft right by the CV joint. A heavy twisting moment on the rudders might spring the shaft out of true like a bowing movement.

[@FRv4S]

Brian, my family really admires you. Instead of just buying a boat you decided to build your boat!

[@reed785M]

Man this boat is going to be amazing

[@timothyjudd7729]

Silly as it sounds the enormity of this project hadn’t really occurred to me. How amazing to be able to put all your knowledge and experience into practice. And although I enjoyed watching the hull being welded together the addition of the next layers of the build is going to be fascinating.

[@Knee-ko]

Always a great way to end the working week with a Delos 2.0 video. She's looking schmicko guys. 👍👍

[@kleinbiker1]

Love the details but question. If you put the long steering shaft via a hole you cut in the side of the boat, will you have to cut a hole again if it ever needs to be replaced?

[@nateofallnatea]

Loving these build videos. You guys must be so excited (and exhausted)!