BOAT BUILD SERIES 3: Fit-Out
Welcome to an exciting chapter in the journey of MAKAI Power Catamarans. This week signifies the completion of assembly and the start of fit-out stage. We are happy to see the production teams in our lamination factory are beginning to make progress on our monthly build plans. From pushing the boundaries of structural integrity to ensuring every detail exudes quality, join us in exploring the meticulous process that sets MAKAI apart.
The completion of assembly for us means a number of things, we have completed the engine and tankage installation, have levelled the hull and marked out the waterline, we have also installed most of the surrounding engine equipment such as steering, hydraulics, ventilation, plumbing and sound insulation. Much of this installation work has been made easy by the flat floor built into our engine grid moulding, this will keep bilge water away from your feet and of course electronics and other sensitive equipment as well as providing a flat floor and easy access in and around the engine bay.
We have also fit our bilge plumbing, pre run our electrical looms, installed our furniture module and have completed all necessary secondary bonding and glass taping – a step that many production builders skip in favour of production speed. Whilst the initial development and build has taken us much longer than we had originally planned, at MAKAI, we will never sacrifice on quality or structural integrity, as it is our belief that every boat built must meet the strict quality standards we have set for ourselves, above all else.
Unlike most power catamarans in production today, MAKAI has taken a holistic approach to engineering the structural integrity of the M37. By using finite element analysis, our designers have been able to identify all potential forces the hulls will endure. Rather than simply building this structure into additional bulkheads, stringers or other reinforcements, we have revolutionised structural integrity of this power catamaran by designing a monocoque interior, that when installed, adds significantly to the vessels stiffness and structural integrity. Due to the high cost and preciseness of assembly, this technology is rare but has been used in a similar method by some builders. However ,what truly takes this to the next level is MAKAI’S ‘ONE PIECE CONSTRUCTION’. The entire internal structure is produced from one piece of mould, using vacuum infusion technology. This in itself, produces a structure significantly stronger than that achieved if produced in multiple sections. When bonded into the hull, this then results in a highly rigid and lightweight interior, free from the creaks and groans that is experienced with typical plywood interiors.
Additionally, we have built in both vertical and horizontal crash bulkheads into the bows and have ensured our swim platform is both structural and sealed off from the rest of the hull. By doing so, we have added crash protection preventing water ingress in the event of a front on collision or from damage astern.
As we now move on from assembly our team have already begun work on the fit-out stage, having begun the installation of air conditioning systems, electrical installations and hardtop assembly. More on that in our next update…