The Ultimate Expedition Catamaran: NAHOA 55

[@epcode5121]

Children's bedrooms 🧐 Build for a double bed...but put singles in use the extra floor area for play learn, own space to grow 😄🙏

[@spacewalktraveller1]

Congratulation on your new boat. Great to hear that you are going Aluminium, much better than composite hulls. You should have a look at Barefoot Doctors Sailing KZbin channel. They are getting a Portofino 52 Aluminium sailing Catamaran made. Personally I think it's the best looking Catamaran in its class. They have a 45 and a 52 model and the 45 model is very well priced. They had a 50 foot Leopard Catamaran that burnt down, so that is why they went Aluminium. I wish you all the best with your new boat.

[@alexmacleod6732]

I'm in Port Hardy B.C. , been watching you two for a long time now. I work in the logging industry as a mechanic. Spent alot of time working on aluminum argo crew boats...... Aluminum electrolysis is pure EVIL!!!. But it is totally manageable. Don't just change your zincs on time schedule, keep an eye on them all the time, strange things happen in the world of electrolysis. This next one is super important...... Electrical wiring / electrical fields must never ever ever be allowed near the aluminum structure. This is absolutely huge. Stray electric Current can chew thru aluminum. Building a new boat you have advantage of making sure all electrical wiring is isolated from the structure. Do the best to make sure all electrical / electronic equipment and connections are dry. Electrolysis totally sux but it is manageable, many of the crew boats around here are well into their 40's

[@SailingNahoa]

Thanks Alex. Spent some time on those crew boats doing heli support in the log sort many years ago. Definitely will take the precautions!

[@TracyGolden]

Port Alberni . I have been using Aluminum Anodes and have great success with them over the zinc. Great choice with Aluminum , Ben.

[@zedj573]

Port Hardy here too... too funny we're all hooked up on this channel for years now :)

[@generalmanager2563]

Been watching your channel for a while...all the BEST to your decision and future sailing. Thank you for sharing your adventures❤- mark lee

[@ysesq]

ive owned aluminum boats for 10+ yrs and still do. the 3 things you need are - 1. a 1/4" thick hull or better - problem with this is hydraulic forming benders are needed and yards dont have them 2. plastic spacers or isolators between stainless bolts/hardware and the aluminum - yards cheap on these and boats get eaten and 3. a good TIG setup with engine driven DC tig and good equipment like a panoramaxx helmet with 2.5 lens. i wouldnt consider a boat without all 3. sadly aluminum does corrode and its not low maintenance -- just different maintenance. the first time your hull gets gouged and you need to tig 6061 you will learn that. and you will learn the joys of interprotect 2000e and non cuprous antifoul. also alu boats are noisy - you want eva foam and not wood everywhere.poke me if you want to chat.

[@donnakawana]

Your a man who knows...

[@Butch12]

That was awesome! A true fan!👍👍👍

[@pbr-yt8zc]

Cathode protection system, painted bilges, no shore power (lithium and inverters) or isolation transformer with shore power, Cadmium plated fasteners, welded stanchion bases, hardware attachment points and cleats. sprayed on viscoelastic insulation with 3M Thinsulate for hull/deck insulation. Welded double cross beams with strut between vs, gull striker. Composite retractable shaft drives (Mcconahay ) Freestanding or spreaderless rotating carbon rig and boom furler and vang, integral bow traveller for UPS or Code 0. Bulkhead steering, bow cockpit is the worst idea.

[@pbr-yt8zc]

You can build plates out of 3/16 Alustar, stronger than 1/4" 5086

[@peteh8077]

49 Likes and not one comment pointing out you tig aluminum with AC. Not DC. ffs this is crucial...

[@ghotiiii1]

Sounds great. Just remember what puts food on the table: CONTENT. One of my favourite vlogs (who, incidentally, had an aluminium expedition boat) decided to build their own performance catamaran and, for the last few years, all their content has consisted of them in shed, gathering dust and wrinkles (and they're still well over a year away from getting on the water). Most subscribers are, like me, poor 'schlubs' with nine to five jobs, who watch your videos as we eat lunch at our desks, dreaming of the freedom and adventure that you show us, and which we will not have the time or money to fulfill until we're retired and too old to enjoy. We are loyal, but don't forget us: Keep that content coming until the boat is built and we, cent by cent, will help you pay for it.

[@highvibe4839]

Funny and true.. 😂 get a life, get out of that office, find a way! ❤

[@ghotiiii1]

Great idea! "Hey kids; about next year's college tuition and dorm rent; Papa's just heard a great suggestion from ​ @highvibe4839!"

[@mrm4400]

Very wise decision. "Alluring Arctic" and "Barefoot Doctors" channels went that way too. The benefits of these boats far outweigh the negatives and I truly hope more sailors in future can afford to convert to aluminum boats. I am so happy for you.🎉❤🇿🇦

[@gavingrantham136]

Distant Shores TV - they have also converted

[@ianclark8934]

From a fellow Canadian, congratulations on being the most amazing parents. You aren't building a boat, you're building a home for your family that will allow them to experience the world. Congrats!!!!

[@Michael-dh2sw]

I saw this and I thought this looks like a de Villiers design. And then you go ahead and it really is a de Villiers. This is going to be the most interesting "KZbinr boat build" for the coming years.

[@jamielancaster01]

I’m looking forward to it

[@llgee1380]

Brilliant.. yes an (A) aluminium cat with a junk rig .. I hope I’m correct because my hubby thinks it is a ketch rig . But I hope it’s a junk rig!!!!! Just brilliant!!!

[@SimDings]

Love you decision of focusing on maintainability, as you do at lot of the boat jobs yourself, while raising two kids at the same time.

[@pirateracer69]

Contact Paul and Sherryl Shard. You know these two canadians , I am sure. They surely have suggestions for you. They are currently building an aluminium boat. ( The Netherlands ) And CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING THE FUTURE BEST BOAT ON KZbin OWNERS.

[@goinhot1]

Okay I love you guys!!! I quit watching “The OKelly’s” because they wanted a $100.00 a hour consulting fees, and they’ve been a year and haven’t been able to find a boat ! The “Gone with the Wynns” has turned into nothing but advertising so I feel that I just paid for there boat plus they haven’t had a good video in over a year my opinion.. but you guys are the real deal you’re not getting sucked into this going fast in a super light boat and losing your yachts strengthen integrity. Good job and safer for all of you on board …You do your homework you study and have a great head on your shoulders!!! I would follow you in your footsteps in a heartbeat tell your builder I’m gonna probably buy a boat just like yours when you’re done. Carry on the good work to great videos and I really enjoy seeing you. Thank you again.

[@snafufubar]

Gone with the Wynns, sailing Ruby Rose, Tulas endless summer, la Vagabond and now you guys. Seems to be new boat year on KZbin. You should all get together somewhere tropic and compare boats.

[@tommygunz8692]

Congrats guys the new cat sounds awesome. Good choice with the aluminum….. You guys deserve a new boat…….

[@SailingwithScott]

One word, WOW! Second word, CONGRATULATIONS!

[@dc1544]

Look into hybrid motors. Electric and Diesel. No generator needed allows for more lithium. Can regen when sailing. Try to fit 4kw of solar panels. Sure it costs a bit more upfront but saves you money month after month. There are many choices out there now and the biggest cost is batteries. no sun but winds pull up anchor and go sail for 3 hours that will top off your battery banks. Plus you will have all the systems in place for what others will want if you sale it in 15 years. You can go with battery banks that have 6000 cycles which means over 40 years of life.

[@TheOKellys]

Love the design!

[@SailingNahoa]

Nick & Megan! Well hello dear friends. Thanks for your support.

[@liamhainsworth9620]

What an amazing message to send 😊 subscriber of you both!!

[@georgecarney3083]

Good news on the new boat. Peter from "Sailing into Freedom" is having a Mumby48 built in Greece, as he wants it to be totally renewed energy driven, to do a circumnavigation without any carbon fuel.

[@aynelvega6818]

👏🏼👏🏼 can’t wait to see it

[@CraigHort-cw6yk]

Thanks

[@geraldtribbe6363]

Well deserved. Although it seems hectic and a bit of anxiety involved, you one day will look back on this time as one of the high points with many fond memories. You two work very hard for what you have, enjoy!

[@roadboat9216]

Wow! Great news. From living on a tiny boat in Canada, yeah, remember that? To current Nahoa and now. Wow. Nahoa 55. Aluminum A. Aluminum. I have owned 5 serious cruising boats and cruised them. Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific, and I have always wanted an aluminum boat, but couldn’t afford it. So……..you do what you have to. NEVER let this stop you from cruising. Look what Uma and Triteia has done. Go! HOWEVER! Aluminum IS the way to go if you can. I hope everything on deck will be welded and no through bolting. You want a seal container. Welded fittings equal a DRY boat. I love the skeg and protected prop and rudder. Very very good way to go. I don’t like saildrives. You guys have the experience for this. Good luck! I will be watching. Sounds like a very good compromise to me. And with light weight, fine hulls, hi bridge deck and looooog waterline, it’s still has to be darn fast

[@windmolenfarm8030]

I am absolutely ecstatic about your new boat project. I am too old and almost blind so I have to enjoy open ocean sailing vicariously through you guys and a few others. Following your boat-build and subsequent sailing is keeping me enthused and active in my more passive role. Thanks so much for what you do and your down to earth, informative presentations. Keep them coming Oorah as my Marine compatriots say and see you on the next tide!

[@gavsintasmaina]

So many are getting new boats in 2023! Love it, will be so interesting to sail along!

[@dancarter482]

Chris White deserves a credit where credit's due -mention. He pioneered the forward cockpit concept.

[@SailingNahoa]

Yes, amazing designer.

[@amputeepirate6019]

Hi guys love your videos. Hope this helps you. Two years ago I sold up bought a lagoon 400 in Florida I am from the uk. And started sailing around the world. All thanks to you and your early videos. Currently I am in Tahiti. I am an above knee amputee so if I can do it any one can. Best of luck with your new boat. Lots of respect from sv Mai tai. And Ollie.

[@john0keller]

Dad to 4 kids here. I've never once regretted spending money on experiences for the kids, and can tell your priorities are super solid. Congrats!

[@nwbackcountry5327]

Sailing into Freedom's Peter is building a similar aluminum cat called the Odisea 48, which is very similar to the Mumby 48. The base price for a Odisea is around $750,000, which to me sounds like a pretty good deal. I guess they are building the boat in some kind of jig, which they claim reduces labor costs. They build the boat upright with no need to flip it half way through construction. Apparently the jig also keeps the boat very straight. I love seeing so many new designs for cruising sailboats. Your new boat looks awesome.

[@simonhantler8062]

youve just bought the best designed cat available, and believe me ive done my homework. good on ya.

[@RiverWoods111]

Oh, this sounds like the perfect boat to raise a young family on. Having extra storage will maybe also give you room to make sure you have plenty of medical supplies for your daughter, and have a boat that you can depend on. The aluminum sounds awesome! Yeah, every boat material out there has its issues. You will learn how to manage the electrolysis. You will also know every nook and cranny of that boat, and how to get to something. I am sure by the time it gets done you will never have an issue where you don't understand the batteries and you have to hire someone. I don't know with two small kids this just sounds a lot more safe. I am sure you have put into it some child safety components to help you as much as you can. My kids are all grown, but as a mom, you just think of these things. Your family was such a special thing, after years of thinking you couldn't have kids. This will be so nice to have extra room for them to live and move and as they grow up, they won't outgrow their spaces and your boat won't start to feel too small. Congrats on this new journey. Been watching some of MJ sailing journey of building their boat, and it is an interesting journey I know people will enjoy watching your boat come together. I was secretly back when you were fixing Nohoa, that you would be moving into a new or newer boat. I also knew you had to fix this one to be able to get a new one. You can't sell a boat with soggy floors. There was another really small channel, that had a boat just like yours that had to go through and repair the floor of their boat with the same issue. I hadn't thought of them till just now. They are not very consistent with their videos or at least they weren't for a year or two after 2020 hit and he lost his remote job. I think they are now trying to get back to it again. Last I saw they were back to the Bahamas. They also have a young family.

[@jimlofts5433]

check out SV Lynx - they are getting diesel with prop shaft but also a magnetic decoupler so they can run the diesel with or without turning the prop and the alternators can power up the batteries - no genny needed

[@tethys53ft]

Hi, I am in the process of building a 53foot aluminium monohull at KM-Yachtbuilders in Makkum,Holland. They build any expedition yacht you want and are absolute specialists. They build 2 Pelagic expedition yachts for Skip Novak so I am one hundred procent sure, they could help you. Not cheap but the best I think. Kind regards Tom Waes

[@24hourtravellers]

So happens that we met Lex and Jo in Pangkor Marina in 2021 and admired their aluminum cat 😊 Amazing couple too.

[@cuttnhorse2013]

Not sure what you all think about anchors? But a couple Mantus anchors might be a consideration?! Love all your videos through the years. Just don’t reply a lot, thanks. Ronnie, East Tennessee USA

[@SailingNahoa]

Have a bit of time before considering which anchor, but we will be considering all :).

[@brunsonr]

Really like what I’m seeing in the Nahoa 55. I don’t need to tell you that there is a lot of work ahead. But I look forward to watching every step of the process. Sail-on!

[@ianwhyte4654]

Nahoa 2.0 is a fantastic idea for your family. However Ben if you ever come close to loving this new boat more than you love Ashley please check yourself into a hospital.

[@SailingNahoa]

Ahaha 🤣

[@rew3103]

AWESOME! LET'S GO!!!

[@paulduffy8774]

will you be coming to the maritimes nova scotia where the bluenose was built

[@targetspecies]

Hmmm…it’s going to take a couple of years to go from concept to construction to cruising. What I like most about this channel is the focus on people and cultures in the places you visit. I’m being selfish here, I hope we dont have two years of boat building vids…plenty of other channels doing that. But I wish you well in finding a builder to fabricate the boat of your dreams.

[@MiniCat.Australia]

Congrats guys spoke to David around Christmas time when the O’Kellys were staying with me - yep Aluminium brilliant idea. I’ll watch with very interesting and excited eyes. Also watching Plukky and his build.

[@tiernet]

Can you expand on what you have discovered regarding the sound on the aluminum versus the fiberglass curious to see if you have heard of any differences? Maybe a better question would be if there is a finish on top of the aluminum that softens the sound?

[@Kathikas1]

Yep - a significant question, along with thermal insulation Oh, and lightning strike considerations

[@Via-Regia]

This is a „Wow“ design… I be a follower from the Start of your journey and I be sure, that is the way. I also a follower from Ruby Rose2, Sailing UMA, Yaba and RAN Sailing. Everyone find his Way and i am sure a 55alu cat is the best solution for the Nahoa family.❤😊

[@sailingvlogs1726]

These you tube videos must be very lucrative. So Many channels getting new boats.

[@GrossGeneralization]

Every time I see people grinding on their glass boats my skin crawls (from experience!) Having a boat you can just cut and weld would be epic. I look forward to seeing how you make this work!

[@deerfootnz]

LWL and D/L are the critical measures for performance, and SA/D less so for cruising boats. The bit people forget is that if you double the size of a boat, the righting moment is multiplied by 16. So as cats get bigger the loads increase exponentially

[@TDB7117]

Congratulations on the new aluminum yacht! Sounds very cool. I have to admit, it’s getting harder to relate to all the KZbin channels now. Seems like everyone’s getting new multi million dollar yachts.

[@10lauset]

It'll be interesting to see your aluminum boat in action. Many have seen MJSailing with their previous metal boat, Jupiter in action and DistantShores with their new aluminum build. Cheers to you from Edmonton.

[@kelvinjolliffe4948]

Congratulations guys! Great boat! I'm proud that my country and town (Cape Town) has opened so many doors and experiences to you.

[@liongod1000]

@Kelvin Jolliffe *_ Hip Hip Hurra to South African homeboy David for another great yacht design (And hopefully built here too) _*

[@Seabee441]

Congratulations Guys. The most successful channels on You tube are engaged in building projects. We are very interested to be a part of the journey. We spend hours viewing sailing channels longing for the past gone days of our own experiences or we are seeking resolve watching others dream and live the lives that we covet, We look forward with anticipation of the fulfillment of your adventure and public lives that you share with us God Bless

[@yellowwducky]

Congrats! Having been watching for a while, I am not surprised. Wish I could convince my better half but it isn't to be so I will have to live vicariously through others.

[@simonwilson1211]

The whole/ most of the sailing community seem to getting into new boats! Wishing you all the best and looking forward to the journey! A family Catamaran seems like a fantastic project.. Love ya XXxx

[@doradosurfcharters]

The best boat is a plastic boat full stop hdpe zero maintenance good luck with the build 👍🍻hope you guys don’t have to many headaches with the project and get along with the boat builder cause it’s gonna be like a expensive marriage

[@tonyankele2903]

Anyway. Thank you again.. you guys Rock ! Your my favs... I have been watching you since the very beginning.. it's been great. You have made many days great for me .. enjoy your family very much.. take care.. Tony A.

[@timfiggins7764]

Isn't it amazing, two of my favorite channels getting very similar boats. Can wait to see them getting built.

[@ceeceety2320]

We are so excited for you guys! This is your home and the place you raise those beautiful babies, schooling them and showing them the world. What a way to live! All the best to you! Tim and Tammie

[@paulkopp3634]

Great to see you came through the current buzz for “ Performance “ catamarans and thought about it some more . I get the argument for a light boat being able to sail in light winds and “ Beating “ weather systems and 200 + mile days . I heard one proponent of performance cats saying 24 knots and averaging 18 knots , getting across the Atlantic 4/5 days quicker . My question is why ? Every cruiser I’ve watched says we spend 90 % of our time at anchor 10 % sailing so do they want to spend 95 % of the time at anchor or just get around the world as quickly as possible ? Can two people sail at 18 knots average , even with all the electronic wizardry available and maintain concentration for a 10 day ocean crossing ? Can you beat the weather systems all the time ? What happens if you hit something in the water at 18 knots ? Innovation and advances in design are great but I’m not sure that fashion should be the driving force over something being fit for purpose .

[@brettbulmer2168]

Congratulations. We look forward to watching the build and your beautiful kids growing up too.

[@thereallasre]

Super fun! This is going the start of some awesome new adventures. Can’t wait for you to share them with us!

[@paulohlstein2236]

The big advantage of a straight shaft drive (or even a V drive) is that if the seal leaks, only the seal needs to be repaired and no collateral damage occurs because the water enters the bilges and not the sail drive.

[@robertsmith2402]

Hi guys, I have just started watching your channel and must say you have made me feel like you have the right ingredient for making life on the water a dream come true. Through this whole video your interest was for each other and not forgetting your lovely children. My life of sailing was shore based but always wanted a big cat. I will live this part of my life vicariously watching your new boat build. Cheer from Downunder.

[@btrotta]

She looks incredible. The possibilities that will open up to you with a true expedition yacht like this are fantastic - South America, Antarctica, Alaska, Norway, Finland, Sweeden, Greenland, Iceland, Hudson Bay and the Northwest Passage all become options. Can't wait to see where she brings you.

[@flatflyeroz]

So glad you found your dream in South Africa, lekker lekker

[@billkaroly]

So many channels working on new catamarans. I can't wait to see your new boat.

[@mriley4955]

Ashley, I have sailed a Chris white designed Atlantic 55 from South Africa to Annapolis. That center/forward cockpit is a dream. You will grow to love it.

[@eduardoacosta6199]

FINALLY someone saying the same thing I am with respect to the trend of folks going to "performance catamarans. Sure they are fast. But they are also incredibly light which means they will be extremely responsive to any breeze will keep them on their toes every day of sailing and good luck with any weather which no matter how fast you are eventually will catch up to you !. Good decision to go with a more solid design and not just following the fad !. If you guys go for the ketch version I will go crazy !. I have a ketch monohull and I see a lot of advantages of that rigging for cruising. Good luck !

[@tertiaalkema]

This is mu favourite sailing KZbin channel! The new boat design looks incredible. Perfect for your beautiful family. xc

[@divekatdreaming]

Congratulations on your new announcement!!! Wonderful news! I am a function over form gal. Not that I don't like form, but if it doesn't work well, I don't care how pretty it is.... but if it works really well, it could be ugly as sin and I adore it. Anyway, I think you are brilliant to get a bigger boat now. Frankly, as your kids grow, they will acquire more toys... paddleboards, surf board, foils, ...do kids still waterski? I don't know. Anyway, teenagers may want video games or computers of their own ...which may also be used for school...for which a large table may be useful.... and it looks like you will have room for all that growing up stuff and for your family to live and learn and thrive. Just remember to stop and smell the flowers along the way. You work so hard and you have a lovely family!!!

[@geotouring5959]

Hey I had David do design work for me. Probably 25 years ago, you will be happy with him. He doe's great work Look forward to seeing the next steps George

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Well done guys! What an exciting decision and journey!!! We are totally sold on the toughness and benefits of aluminium and we'r3e sure you will be ecstatic with the end result!!! What a great boat to continue to raise the kids on! Enjoy the journey and see you out there... John and Eli.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Got to love Starlink!

[@Gardureth]

Please do a farewell sail on NAHOA 1 Sounds weird, but well, you're focusing on the new boat, and we will miss the old one. If you could make a video, and show some of the memories you had on NAHOA, the things you would never forget, big repairs, awesome people you've met along the way, and ofcourse the map showing your full trip, that would be so awesome for us. Oh and that video may last longer, because its not a regular episode. (Capt. Eric-jan Damen)

[@MrJazz-yp9wg]

YEEEEEAAAHHHH!!! This is super exciting news. I can't wait to see it all done. Though must say that I've fallen in love with your catamaran. I'm sure I'm going to miss this one because it's where got to know you guys and seen you guys grow so much and also grown your beautiful family. But I'm also all in and in favor for your progress and success. As the saying goes "out with the old and in with the new". So let's do this and bring it on guys! I'm so super STOCKED for the new aluminum catamaran. I'm so happy for you guys!

[@barrylentin7066]

i am so excited for you guys

[@tjshaw4441]

I think this was a wise decision. I grew up around boats and have been praying for you safety. The new boat will definitely keep you safe. Can't wait until you get it

[@kinneyelliott5615]

Good luck to all of you can't wait to see it !

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Yes, yes, yes, please do it 🙏 Love and best wishes to you all, Claire, Tommi, the rescue dog, and Amber, the new rescue cat, and my sons, daughters in law and grandchildren, Berlin ❤❤❤❤

[@daviddevilliers5797]

Nice video, Ashley and Ben! It has been an awesome few months getting to know you guys and designing the new boat. Now the real work begins!

[@pinduckyfarms4748]

Very happy fot you four, what an exciting life.

[@victortamayo1588]

My first message to you! I love your channel and all of it's content! Cool family in love with the world and it's people.Thank you very much.Victor from Puerto Rico.

[@greglawson235]

Congratulations Ashley and Ben! Send info for how I get in line for hull #2 NAHOA 55! 🇨🇦

[@flyingcheff]

As if ANYBODY didn't know this was coming....! Spiffing up the old boat.....etc. It's a "Duh"! Congratulations!!! ❤❤❤

[@marcellacruser951]

If anyone can do this, it's you two. But wow. That's alot. LOL! I cannot wait to see this come together.

[@timvins]

Awesome news and such a wise choice, we’ve sailed with charter yacht “FollyToo” which is an ex Fastnet Aluminium racing yacht. The skipper has been onboard a fibreglass boat when it hit debris, and it sank. He said never again would he sail in a glass boat.

[@clayfarnet970]

With your design choices and influence, I’d bet you could get a discount from the builder with many others interested wanting to purchase the same Nahoa design. I’ll bet at least 10 serious buyers once word gets out.

[@HoopersV2.0]

Excited to see the new aluminium Nahoa good luck

[@Chambrs]

I wondered about your decision to persevere with the the repairs after arriving in SA and you did say at one stage that you considered an alternative to keeping on with this cat. Well the cat is out of the bag now and what a decision. This is momentous and will be life changing to your family but now its more travel and then onto the commitment. How about that a Kiwi designer and the next objective to find a boatyard to build it. Will follow with even more interest now. Good luck to you all.

[@seniorsdesflots]

Bravo, vous avez raison. Vos réflexions sont pleines de bon sens. Foncez… ce sera long et stressant mais quel résultat… nous naviguons sur un outremer 42 rallongé à 48 pieds, quel confort en plus et sécurité en mer car il allonge le pas plus facilement, sans toile en plus… la casquette très longue derrière, top, top. La cuisine devant, super. Les rangements, le plus important… bravo, bravo

[@marcbloch1963]

Saltwater is a much stronger electrolyte than freshwater, and boats often have stainless steel or bronze hardware attached to the hull. These can set up corrosion by electrolysis. Even a copper penny lost in the bilge can cause corrosion. Another cause of corrosion is electrolysis from faulty wiring. Any currents that flow from the aluminum hull to other metals in the area will cause corrosion. Another issue that many boaters face with their aluminum boats is that they can be loud. The sound of water slapping against an aluminum hull can be jarring if one is not used to it. Aluminum is strong but not as strong as steel and some flexing occurs in most aluminum boats. Enough of the flexing can cause the aluminum to “work harden” and fatigue crack. The only way to repair a fatigue crack is with aluminum welding which requires a specialist who can not only weld the crack but perhaps apply additional metal to reinforce the area.

[@garethpjohnson]

I feckin knew it. When you did the latest refresh I said to my wife, “that’s what you do when selling it!!” Delighted for you guys 👏

[@Tewbum]

Wow a start of a new adventure, can't wait for the beginning of the build 🙏🙏🙏

[@Trk09dr]

Wow, I’m super impressed by your surprise. I’ve been waiting for this since the Seychelles. Take delivery in Victoria show the kids a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island up the west coast to Alaska . The Northwest Passage beckons. Then of course Hudson Bay Newfoundland and Labrador. Up the St Lawrence Quebec and the Great Lakes. Then out to the Maritimes. What a way to learn Canadian History. Make sure you have big engines for going against the current on the Mackenzie River. Be the first sailing channel to travel around the world and stop in Hay River and Yellow Knife NWT. I’ve so many ideas from easy chair. Love you r content and am so happy where ever you take me. Peace and Love,out.

[@SailingNahoa]

😂 love it. We have big dreams of where to go! Will add these suggestions to the list

[@jackiegaudette6225]

Awesome News ! You guys deserve a new boat .

[@rayb3117]

I cannot wait to see this build. I have watched numerous other sailing channels that have refitted and even bought new boats from every builder there is. HH, Gunboat, Lagoon. Leopard just to name a few and this will be the first time, I watch an aluminum boat from scratch

[@RaySchouten]

COngratulations! COming from an aircraft (aluminum( background, I an only stress maximum protection of the metal. since you are building, go maximum on corrosion protection. Consider having the entire bare metal ship dipped. The process will ensure that every crack and crevice is properly treated. There are many excellent finishes - go with the best. Love to chat..

[@Peter_Herrman]

You'll probably get some future boat owners saying, "I want one of those!" So maybe you can find one of them that actually has some money and ready to sign up and get a better deal w/ whatever yard you're talking to. Always cheaper to build 2 or more than just one! Looks great, very exciting!!

[@DaveSunde]

It looks like you have made an excellent choice for the best possible reasons. I'm glad you are going away from the sail drive units. Too many boats have been lost because of grounding or collisions with underwater objects and not only pushing the sail drive up through the hull but causing catastrophic damage to the hull and making recovery almost impossible. (Remember the Tanda Malaika for example.) You guys are doing a wonderful job and I look forward to watching your videos each week. Keep up the good work and good luck finding an affordable shipyard.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

Forward cockpit on a cat is amazing. Whole thing looks madly brilliant. I love Moana and watch it without my kids.

[@michelpaulcote156]

A great decision for you and your children. And given the allergies and the related risk, you get to better control the environment until they are teens. The education they will get circling the world is unique, pretty much like their parents ! Congratulations.

[@donnawarmouth9329]

Ben and Ashley I’m so excited to see this new boat being built.

[@000gjb]

Combining forward helm in an Aluminium Hull has to be the way forward to avoid getting up on deck around the side of the cockpit combined with sailing at night. Food for thought. Three forward helm designs are worth looking at for ideas are catamarans designed by Chris White, Gunboat 55 and the new HH52. Xquisite Plus 55 for best fit out, finish and duplication of systems for safety.

[@vanessabryan786]

Read the report on test sailing a Windelo in high winds you will realise front cockpits are dry super safe and protected. In a Atlantic circuit including Iceland they never took more than a bucket of water over the front. The De villiers is a great choice especially if you can run a hybrid set up long term. One other thing for now blade cells for your batteries. If not Na .. ❤