Stories

First-hand accounts of design thinking, tradeoffs, and development, authored by the contributor directly involved.

1overview

1–A
Solander 38
2026–01–01
A self-sufficient, solar-electric, coastal cruising power catamaran.
1–B
Range
2026–03–01
Solander 38 has a maximum weekly range of 588 nautical miles when cruising at 5 knots.

2body

2–A
Picking a hull
2026–05–01
A multihull catamaran form was chosen for Solander 38 in order to maximize surface area for solar panels.
2–B
Hull modifications
in progress

3superstructure

3–A
Designing the superstructure
in progress
3–B
Building the superstructure
2026–02–01
Translating 3D models into 2D plans and building the physical structure.

4power architecture

5control

5–A
Mechanical steering
in progress
5–B
Fit & clearance for steering components
2026–03–04
Practical process of fitting steering components and installing clearance tunnels between separate compartments.
5–C
Electrical steering
in progress
5–D
CAN bus
in progress

6propulsion

6–A
Rudders, propellers, and struts
in progress
6–B
Motors
in progress

7water & heating systems

7–A
Cooling
in progress

8outfitting & interior

8–A
Cabinetry
2026–06–04
Catalyst from a wooden boat builder’s perspective.