Alexandre Fortabat is a naval architect. His various shipyards have given him the desire to "build clean". Not only to propose Green Wahsing, but to propose the most eco-responsible construction solution possible. He therefore proposes the EcoCat, a 42-foot (12.80 m) catamaran whose every phase of the product's life is thought out in this sense. From construction, use to deconstruction.
One construction per panel
Building a mold and then infusing parts into it requires a lot of non-recyclable materials: the mold, but also the plastic sheets used for infusion are products that are then thrown away. Alexandre Fortabat proposes a catamaran with developable shapes, built from flat panels. Thus this boat could be proposed in plywood or with sandwich panels made on marble. Thus the marble as well as the silicone which encloses the sandwich are reusable.
This sandwich is composed of a balsa wood core (recyclable material) and flax fiber skins with biosourced epoxy resin. The construction is then as clean as possible. The only drawback of this principle is the loss due to the cutting of the different parts in the panels. Although it is minimized by placement software.
The architect also thinks about the supply of materials since all components such as plywood or even digital cutting can be sourced near the construction site, limiting the impact on transportation.
An amateur construction
To reduce costs, the EcoCat will be offered at different stages of finishing. From the supply of plans and digital cutting files, to the delivery of the assembled platform to be finished. The will of the architect is to propose a 42 feet catamaran at less than 500 000 euros. He also estimates the price of a boat built by an amateur at between 300 and 350,000 euros, ready to leave on a long cruise. For this construction, the working time only for the platform is estimated at about 3500 hours for an enlightened amateur.
The whole boat was designed for this kit construction with assemblies planned in numerical cutting on the various parts and connections, not with joints congés, but with resumptions of strat in flax fiber.
Designed for the big cruise
This 42 feet catamaran which will only weigh 10 t loaded at the maximum is intended for a family wanting to go on a long trip. It is a true Open with an open nacelle, just closed by removable flexible panels. On each side, a few steps lower, are two living spaces, kitchen on port side and chart table on starboard side. Under these floors are installed the technical areas. With a plan foreseen from the beginning for an Oceanvolt electric motorization (from 2 x 10 kW), the battery park is well centered for the distribution of the masses. At the front and at the back of each hull are installed double cabins and toilets.
Several prospects have already shown their interest in this type of boat and we hope to see construction start soon. Alexandre Fortabat has already imagined a range of 3 models based on the same concept: 27, 35 and the 42 feet presented here.
