Target Date Set: July 27 In-Water Launch
There are lots of moving parts now for the Nomadicat. A carpentry shop has been set up in the shed
to build all of the cabinetry for the salon, galley, and bedrooms. The pilothouse has been painted and fitted with windows.
A good deal of the plumbing
has been installed, including hot water tanks, and there is wiring everywhere
since the French electricians have been on board for a couple of weeks.
However, there is a looming problem. eMotion, the Italian hybrid motor manufacturer, has not delivered all of the electronic components needed to operate the electric motors — things like inverters and related hardware. What is worse is that they are unapologetic about it and seem more focused on making excuses than on committing to delivery dates. Not a good way to run a business. Steven is at his wit's end and is working with the electricians to work around these shortcomings. It's possible we launch with just diesel motors and retrofit the electric motors when all of the components finally arrive. What they did deliver, but not requested, was different footings for the engines than what were spec'd. Consequently, Steven has had to have his guys build our own. Very frustrating...probably some calls to eMotion coming up soon.
Steven has targeted July 27 as the in-water launch date so that sea trials can begin in August. This puts me on board in late August/early September— but there are lots of "ifs" between now and then.
I'll be visiting the Archipelago boat shed on the Isle of Wight (IoW) on Wednesday, May 6. This seems like good timing as I'll get to see "the guts" of the boat prior to finishes covering it all up.
It looks like I'll get to see the engines installed, which is a big milestone. Progress is strong across the board, with the exception of the eMotion situation, and I'll have a chance to discuss contingency plans firsthand.
Stay tuned — more photos and videos from the Archipelago boat shed on the Isle of Wight coming soon.
