About “O2” (OrinocoToo)
After over 7 years of sailing with our monohull Orinoco, we decided it was time to move to more comfort as liveaboards and we start our travels over again with a catamaran. We ordered a Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42, because we expect her to be a good match for us, and for our expectations of a production catamaran suitable to travel the world the way we like to do.
OUR NON-STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Based on our previous cruising experiences, we had quite a wish list for our new home. We will cross the Atlantic shortly afterwards, and once on our way, mostly all products prove to be more expensive or difficult to get. Consequently, we planned to execute the modifications from the beginning. We took advantage of the long waiting time to do our research. I invested a lot of time in that research, so by publishing our choices here, maybe someone else can profit of it. We organized everything, so that most of our wish list can be installed directly after the delivery: A stressful after-market coordination waiting for me in La Rochelle, Fr.
ELECTRICITY
In modern live, electricity has become very important. On a boat this is not different. In addition, electricity is a good way to become self-sufficient in a sustainable way. But to do so, it involves an important extra budget.
Since we intend to live aboard full time during an extensive period, we considered this investment as responsible. We modified considerably the standard installation. About the general setup, this is our basic scheme, for those interested:
LITHIUM
Based on our calculations, we expect a daily consumption of around 1000-1200 Amps at 12v over a 24h period of time when using energy without many compromises. Based on this assumption, we decided to install 4 VICTRON 25.6v/200ah LFP batteries. But they appeared not available at the time of installation. So together with Triskel Marine, we changed for 6 Torqeedo 26-104 batteries: They are connected 2×2 as a 48v domestic battery bank (see below why 48v). In our setup, one simple 12v battery must be used as buffer. But because the boat comes standard with a domestic bank of 3 gel batteries 12v/200Ah, we kept them for the time being and probably save some weight later when it is time to replace these. Which give us a massive 21kWh storage for the time being.
CHARGER – INVERTER
For warranty reasons, we preferred to stay in one brand setup. And although we liked our Mastervolt combi, we go for a complete Victron setup this time for multiple reasons:
• For the samebudget, I got considerable more.
• As well for the solar controllers as for the charger/inverter, Mastervolt was far more limited than Victron, especially in the 48V range (see further).
• Victron’s solar smart controllers have a nice advantage that all info can be sent to my smartphone.
To have the possibility to use our oven and cooktop, or the scuba bottle compressor, watermaker, washing machine or airco, without necessarily starting an engine, we have a 10kW Victron Quattro inverter installed. And now I can say that I am so happy with that decision. It gives so much freedom in use of different components together.
ALTERNATOR – GENERATOR
An important decision was, to go for the Integrel® alternator/generator of Triskel Marine (UK), and not for the common diesel generator. This means that we have an alternator replaced by a 9kW one, installed on one of the Volvo Penta’s, optimizing the potential capacity of the engine to produce electricity. It means also that we need a 48V battery bank, so all input will be at 48V either (solar, hydro generator, shore power).
For me, choosing the Integrel®Marine feels coherent with all the other decisions. And at the end, the total budget is still not far from what I should have paid for all the FP options (airco, heating, extra battery, generator), as a far less complete setup. But it is a new system, and time will learn if I was right as an ‘early adopter’.
SOLAR
One of the advantages of a catamaran is the possibility to install quite some solar panels. We start with 2160Wp in total (on Orinoco we only had 210Wp).
All chosen panels contain high performance Sunpower cells, and by design they are not effected too much by shadow. We install them in 3 groups: Each group of similar panels in series, and with its own Victron Smartsolar MPPT controller, charging the 48v bank.
– Sunpower X22-360 : 3x 360 Wp = 1080 Wp –> 59,1 Vmpp @ 18,27 A imp
– Wattstunde WS160SPS-L DAYLIGHT : 4x 160 Wp = 640 Wp –> 70,5 Vmpp @ 6,81 A imp
– Wattstunde WS110FX DAYLIGHT : 4x 110 Wp = 440 Wp –> 72,4 Vmpp @ 6,08 A imp
The first two groups are ridgid panels, the last group are semi-flexibles mounted where the sun-bed is and will be covered when those cushions will be installed. But we never use that sun-bed when the sun is brightest or while sailing, so not really an issue when traveling in the tropics. And the way I fixed them, we can still attach the cushions as standard.
WATT & SEA
With all the solar, I expect no problem during most of the daytime, both at anchor and while sailing. But during covered days and nights, with all navigation instruments, auto pilot, lights, AIS, radar, etc. functioning, we will draw a lot of power out of the batteries. That is why we decided to install also a hydro generator, with a removable support that we don’t need to keep it permanently on the stern all the time. Our choice was the Watt & Sea cruising 600, but with a 48v regulator in the logic of our setup.
ELECTRIC GALLEY
Without the conversion to an all electrical galley, the power needed would probably be half of what I expect now: The induction cooktop is 3,7kW and the combi-oven is 3,4kW. Getting rid of gas has a price, but I didn’t regret a moment that we did it !
Our choices were:
The Gaggenau Vario400 because this model adapts its zone to the size of the pots, which means a much more flexible and efficient use of energy. And the size is a bit larger than the standard recess of the galley worktop, so not much of a problem to fit it.
The Etna Combi Magnetron oven CM244RVS because of the combination of hot-air, microwave and grill function.
Both not the cheapest models available, but with very positive reviews. And so happy with them !
HEATING AND AIRCO
We decided to install the airco after market because FP didn’t give much choice. We never had airco before, and we will probably use it only in very specific situations. We had heating before, and we know we really need it. But most of the time we will be traveling in the tropics, so a separate heating (on diesel) wasn’t really what we wanted. Instead, we choose to install one Dometic revers cycle A/C unit, with a switch, serving the saloon or master bedroom.
We also have 2 “Dyson AM9 hot & cool” for eventual extra heating or ventilation, or for the guest cabins. And in the front bathroom at port-side, a dehumidifier makes that we can also use this head as a ‘drying room’ for wet gear.
I must correct already our above intentions: Due to an error in the FP-production, we ended up to have also the standard option Webasto heating. But we still intend to use as much as possible the electricity for heating. However, if we’ll ever visit Patagonia or Alaska, this ‘error’ will prove to be a big benefit !
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire on board is a real nightmare for every boat owner. Eliminating all gas was already one measure to limit considerably the risk of a fatal fire or explosion.
Also, I really don’t like powder extinguishers because of the potential damage if you ever need to use them. And the one time I had to use an extinguisher for the starting fire of a truck, it proved not very efficient at all. So no powder extinguishers on our boat.
Instead, we go for the following alternatives:
• We install 6 smoke-CO-detectors (Nest Protect V2); one in each engine room, each cabin, and the galley. Because I am convinced that a reliable detection is at least as important as the right extinguisher itself.
• In each engine room, we install a Mabo automatic foam extinguisher. The foam is ecological, will prevent a fire to lit up again without damaging any electronics, it is non-conductive and safe for humans.
• Near our lithium batteries and near the dive compressor, we place an automatic ‘fire-knock-out’ extinguisher. In case they are used, they won’t destroy any electronics.
• In each cabin, we hang an AFFF foam 750ml spray: They are easy to use, good for ABF-fires and for electricity. So for all the most-common potential fires on a boat. And they are guaranteed for minimal 3 years.
I liked very much the PFE aerosol extinguishers on our previous boat: I liked the size, aesthetics and simplicity, and you can use them for all kind of starting fires, without much harm. Problem was that I couldn’t buy them in a decent amount for a reasonable price.
• Close to the galley, we keep a fire blanket and a 2L AFFF-foam extinguisher.
• And outside, we store a big 6L AFFF-foam extinguisher.
Both these foam extinguishers are more expensive than ordinary ones, but they are low maintenance, good for up to 10 years without maintenance! They will serve as our last resort in case the sprays or other weren’t sufficient enough.
NAVIGATION
We use a Garmin plotter both at the helm and at the chart table. And iphones and “iPad Pro 12.9”, with iNavx and Navionics charts, are for kind of back-up and second opinion if needed.
For weather routing we use mainly the freeware qtVlm. It takes some time and research to use it, but it is absolutely worth it.
And for satellite images we use the Ovitalmap app.
For AIS, being a very important tool nowadays on board, we choose to replace the standard Garmin AIS by the Vespa marine XB8000.
Because we like to travel around coral and in uncharted rivers and places, we also installed a Garmin forward sonar Panoptix PS51-TH. This is new for us, so future will tell if it meets the expectations.
We carry also a Plastimo handheld depth meter, a night-vision scope and a golf rangefinder.
COMMUNICATION
This again is something that changed a lot over the last years. And although getting rid of the internet can be quite healthy, sometimes it helps a lot to keep in touch. And because I still work occasionally needing good internet communication with some flexibility in the plans, we install an “Iridium Pilot”. Data communication is a lot faster than the Go! or with a handheld, but still a lot slower than what we became used to at home.
An “Iridium 9575 Extreme” handset is our backup for worst case.
Because of their great aftersales support, we work again with MailaSail, UK, for the whole setup. Their Redbox helps us switching between WIFI, 4G or Iridium according to availability, and as an efficient firewall, it helps economizing on satellite costs.
SAILS
We still have our asymmetrical spinnaker from Orinoco. But during a circumnavigation, downwind sailing can be most important. Therefore, we finally decided to order also a 156m2 Parasailor, despite the high price. We considered several less expensive alternatives, but at the end, we stayed with this great sail.
For storms, we carry a “Storm-bag” headsail for catamarans: “storm-cat”.
WATER
A Seagul IV filter (from Pure Water Online Ltd, UK) installed with tap at the sink in the galley. We had the same filter on Orinoco, and it is really great. We can always drink and cook from this tap. Now we only carry a quantity of bottled water just in case of a failure.
And in case you want to order one, don’t forget to mention that it is for a DIN tubing. They sent an adaption connector set with it. The first time I didn’t know, and on the continent, I couldn’t find correct connections, so ended up to have it custom made …
FP only offered 2 models of watermakers, and they installed it on a specific place close to the generator. Because we wanted a higher capacity watermaker on 12v, and installed in a maintenance-friendly way, we ordered an Aqua-base ESW (105L/h – 12v) aftermarket.
DIESEL
We don’t have a second diesel tank, but we do carry 5 petrol cans of 22L for long passages. That makes a total of 580L of diesel. (And we will buy a few more in the near future).
More important, because contaminated diesel is becoming a real issue these days with the bio-diesel, we add a Dual Racor 500 filter/water separator on each engine’s fuel supply with 2micron filters. In case of blocked filter, we can switch fast to the second one. And I added an extra 20 micron Fleetguard FF5013 before each of them, because we know that we won’t always have access to clean diesel, and filtering progressively is far more efficient.
Our final diesel filtration is: First a 300micron (replacing the one Volvo installed as first filter), then the 20micron filter, then the 5micron filter. Finally the standard filter directly at the dieselpump. If the first or second filter should be blocked, we can switch a valve to shortcut directly to the Dual Racor filter. Or if one of the intakes is blocked in the tank itself, we can also connect both intakes so that we can still run both engines. These valves should give us enough time to continue, and replace or clean at a more convenient moment afterwords.
Just one sidetone: Although the manometers don’t indicate too much pressure loss due to these filters, we had some issues after running the engines during a long time at 1800 or more rpm. When reducing the rpm to 600, the engine stopped and it was hard to start again, as if it took air. This mainly with the starboard one (longest distance form the tank). We are still trying to figure out the exact cause, but in the coming weeks, we will probably add a small electric dieselpump on both circuits just to ensure there is enough pressure at all times.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Lesson learned ! I had to eliminate 2 filters again, because in a way through the additional connections, air was pulled in the circuit, making the engine to stop working at times. After several tests, I can now say that the new reduced filter composition works fine on both engines. First I have the Racor dual filter followed by the original Volvo filter.
In the future, I will probably use the Fleetgard filters with a separate diesel pump to clean the diesel in the tank itself. And maybe I will add the 300micron filter again once we are traveling in countries where the diesel quality is doubtable.
MOORING
Always lots of opinions on this one, so let m just give you our final choices:
Anchors: Ultramarine 35kg, Fortress 9,5kg, Manson Supreme 27kg (as back up).
Anchorchain: 80m Cromox Grade60 polished stainless 10mm with 30m of nylon 18mm.
Bridle: Mantus bridle Medium 19mm/7,62m.
On the stern: 2 mooring reels of 100m.
GENERAL SAFETY
Liferaft Viking RescYou Pro 6persons, and of course lifejackets. We have some Plastimo lifejackets, but we carry our TeamO Back Tow 170N for daily use. And 3 Spinlocks 275N if in colder climate when we carry lots of cloths. But these are heavy and thus less comfortable than the lighter lifejackets. And since we also have a Catch & lift rescue system for recovery of a Person Over Board, this back tow system makes a lot of sense.
On the life jackets we attached a Led-light, and a Spyderco Saver Salt knife.
We both carry an Ocean PLB1’s and an Ocean Signal MOB-AIS with a specific alarm making sure that the other person is alerted of the POB immediately in all circumstances.
We added 4 handrails on the front of the boat, and jackstays, making it possible to move all around while safely attached.
Epirb (new generation both GPS and AIS): “McMurdo SmartFind G8 AIS automatic”
Jordan series drogue as well as a Seabrake sea anchor
And against intruders or the occasional thief: An outdoor alarm with beam detection, and sensors on all hatches and the door. And on several places, we installed hidden radar motion detectors connected to 3 powerful LED-bars 12v/120W by a timer relais. And these LED-bars can also be used in cases we need working light on deck for more safety. Really helpful !
DINGHY
Yamaha F20BEHL injection: We wanted a powerful outboard to make it possible to explore places. And for a long time, we looked for an appropriate electric outboard. But the prices and battery storage made us decide it was still too early to make this switch. So yes, a petrol engine: at least it is a four stroke, not a highly polluting two stroke.
ANTIFOULING
Another difficult decision to make, without a perfect solution. Of course, if the ideal solution existed, everybody would have it. And struggling with growth on the hulls, reducing the speed considerably, can be very annoying and time-consuming.
On Orinoco we had a Coppercoat combined with a Harsonic Ultrasoon. Although this was pretty satisfying in general, at some occasions we still had to clean our hull. And FP decided, at the time of ordering our boat, to quit the Coppercoat option due to some problems of delamination.
Meanwhile, I also hoped to find a more sustainable solution, excluding toxic components like biocide or copper of the most efficient self-polishing antifouling. We love the marine environment we live in, so why poisoning it.
That’s how we discovered Finsulate, and we almost went for it. But after some very worrying pictures and feedback from other early adopters, we decided not to.
Finally we ordered a MacGlide adhesive film. Once again, time will learn if this was a good decision. For sure there still will be some regular cleaning to do. We have our own scuba diving gear with us, which helps. And when sailing regularly at 6-7kn or above, I expect it to work pretty well. It comes with a 5 year warrantee, it reduces drag, and, it is more eco-friendly than most alternatives … And after almost two months in the water, our bottom is still clean as it was the first day.
CHART TABLE SEAT
You might think this is over the top, but to end this chapter, it is the modification that gave me the most pleasure already: I changed the standard seat, and in a custom made stainless foot, I installed a comfortable ergonomic chair at the chart table. Hours I have been sitting in it yet. If it is for writing this blog, or for preparing a trip, studying the weather forecast, or being on duty during my shift, … the best decision I made ! And underneath I realized a handy storage for all stuff I want to keep close to the chart table. To finish it all, a nice teak cover has been made since.
BRAKE ON THE STEERING WHEEL
I don’t understand that FP doesn’t install a break on the steering wheel as a standard. Particularly when reversing, it is a great help to block te wheel. So I added a GOIOT brake, and haven’t regret it since.