Paikea Refit

Modifying our vintage Catana42 into a modern performance cruiser

Custom Cabin Floor: An Advanced Vinyl Ester Infusion

Topic: A look at the meticulous process of vacuum infusing a custom cabin floor, highlighting the switch to a low-viscosity vinyl […]

Custom Cabin Floor: An Advanced Vinyl Ester Infusion Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, Paikea Refit, Working with Composites, , , , ,

The Refit Grind: How a 22kg Floor Fits Into a 600kg Weight Loss

Author: Shayne and Anna Key Message: By replacing a heavy, non-structural plywood floor with a custom composite one, we achieved a monumental

The Refit Grind: How a 22kg Floor Fits Into a 600kg Weight Loss Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, floors, Paikea Refit, , , , , ,

Structural Cabinetry: The Engineering Behind Lightweight Boat Furniture

Author: Shayne and Anna Topic Overview: This post details the design and fabrication of non-structural cabinetry that serves a critical structural purpose.

Structural Cabinetry: The Engineering Behind Lightweight Boat Furniture Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, Paikea Refit, Working with Composites, , , , ,

The Right Way to Laminate a Penetration in a Composite Structure

Author: Shayne and Anna Topic Overview: This post details the professional method for creating a strong, watertight penetration in a fiberglass hull

The Right Way to Laminate a Penetration in a Composite Structure Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, Bulkhead, Paikea Refit, Working with Composites, , , ,

The Correct Way to Put a Hole in a Structural Bulkhead

Topic Overview: This post explains the structural engineering behind making penetrations in boat bulkheads. We’ll dissect why failures happen, using real-world

The Correct Way to Put a Hole in a Structural Bulkhead Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, Bulkhead, Paikea Refit, Working with Composites, , , , ,

Vacuum Bagging with Polyester Resin: A Practical Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls

Topic Overview: This post details the specialized techniques required for successfully vacuum bagging components with polyester resin. We’ll cover fabric preparation,

Vacuum Bagging with Polyester Resin: A Practical Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, Paikea Refit, Working with Composites, , , , ,

Resilience & Routine: Working Through Valencia’s Historic Floods

Topic Overview: This post contrasts the dramatic impact of the DANA storm that flooded Valencia with the relentless, detailed work of

Resilience & Routine: Working Through Valencia’s Historic Floods Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, Paikea Refit, Working with Composites, , , , , , , ,

Composite Door Installation, Flow Coat Application, and Steering System Analysis

Author: Shayne and Anna Topic: This post details the ongoing refit of the starboard stateroom, focusing on the practical installation of a

Composite Door Installation, Flow Coat Application, and Steering System Analysis Read More »

Boat Systems and Upgrades, Bulkhead, Paikea Refit, Working with Composites, , , , , ,
Scroll to Top