Sailing SV Delosvideo
We’ve Never Seen This Done Before 😮 Building Our Own Aluminum Catamaran Pt. 57
13 February 2026 · 27 min · 291K views
Thunder Cat surfing wave, person at bow
What this video covers
The crew building a custom aluminum catamaran installs a 3,000-pound capacity ATV winch to serve as a custom dinghy lifting system.2:59 By integrating the winch into the boat’s extended roof structure rather than using traditional stern davits, the builders aim to maximize cockpit shade, increase solar panel capacity, and keep the aft deck clear of lines and hardware.6:02 The installation involves mounting the winch to the aluminum roof frame and routing lines through blocks to create a two-to-one purchase system.3:14 Initial testing with a 250-kilogram dinghy confirms the motor operates well under its rated load, though the team replaces an old, UV-damaged line that failed during the first trial.20:46 The project also includes the permanent installation of interior cabinetry using plywood templates for precise fitting and the mounting of a stainless steel barbecue grill in the cockpit.14:44 The team concludes that the winch system successfully lifts the dinghy without obstructing the entertainment area.25:14
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