The birthing suite
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com 6 Dec 20:00 UTC
Bows that make a statement! Look out for the Cure 55 © Cure Marine
The anticipated due date is December 13, 2024, for the first creation. The birth will be natural, happening when ready. Excited parents are waiting, along with additional components that are also keenly awaiting the moment to come together, bringing forth the inaugural Cure 55.
Hull #1 of the Cure 55 will emerge into the light on Friday the 13th, yet it will take a little longer before the significant day arrives for her journey from Coolum to Brisbane under the cloak of night. This will initiate a sequence of stepping, commissioning, and testing activities, followed by a handover period filled with smiles. A significant journey wraps up, leading to numerous delightful passages ahead…
“Our primary goal is to ensure the boat is perfect,” stated Carl Bird, CEO of Cure Marine. “We’ve always focused on getting boats into the water for immediate sailing experiences. The first Cure 55 will be ready here, whether it’s on the 13th as we hope or a few days later if we need to resolve any details at the factory before it’s shipped out. Accuracy precedes the date.”
The initial vessel in any series naturally takes more time, and the Cure 55 is no exception to this. “The construction process is somewhat unique, leading to a slight delay, but we are close, and there is no need to rush now. The global construction and components adapted for manufacturing mean we adhere strictly to the ‘measure twice and cut once’ principle, which we have followed.
The meticulous approach is paying off with observed rapid reductions in build times for Hulls #2 and #3 (about 15 and 20% respectively), so by mid-2025, we should be capable of producing one Cure 55 every three months.”
The focus remains on delivering a seaworthy vessel, which won’t need to return. When you’re out adventuring in the Pacific or beyond, that’s an extreme advantage. While having a warranty is beneficial, it is something you ideally prefer not to rely on. The founders of Cure bring a rich heritage from the RV, aeronautical, and maritime sectors, which has shaped the gold standard for their projects.
Almost there
“The Cure 55 is engineered for adventures. That’s its purpose. The committed founders take pride in their legacy and the vessels they produce,” Bird added.
Currently, Hull #1 is painted and ready aside from a few deck fittings and perhaps some non-skid. Thus, the interior remains the main focus at this stage. Scans verify dimensions against the plans, and manual inspections check overall dimensions and corner radii before finalizing component cuts at other companies within the larger corporate family.
Once finalized, creating and installing these components happens swiftly, with many appliances already onboard. Being able to control their own timelines proves invaluable. It’s wonderful being ‘family’ in supplier and client dynamics…
When everything is signed off on the quality control checklist, Hull #1 will proceed to The Yard in Brisbane, where her Hall Spars rig and North Sails engines await. “Brisbane offers quick access to near-protected waters for testing in various weather conditions, and with all lifting facilities available, it’s faster, simpler, and more cost-effective ultimately. This is also our preferred strategy moving forward.”
At this stage of construction, numerous tasks are happening concurrently, increasing the potential for trip hazards that can significantly slow progress. Therefore, rushing must be avoided. Calm minds are essential, and following the digital schedule ensures everything runs smoothly. Check, check, check…
The builders know their creation is nearly ready but are determined not to push it out prematurely. There might not even be time for tears, as other vessels in the workshop equally need attention and nurture, just like the eldest sibling received.
Sturdy, dependable, tested, and trusted
The Cure 55 is equipped with two 57hp Yanmar 4JH Common Rail Diesels with sail drive. With proper maintenance, these engines are nearly indestructible and as eco-friendly as possible without sacrificing performance. Additionally, modern sail drives developed over the last five years are exceptional and can even allow for oil changes while in the water! Their efficiency and low drag profile are noteworthy, making them a winning combination.
Such features are crucial for an express catamaran. Moreover, they occupy significantly less space, which is vital given the sleek hull designs. In other words, maximize the function of the oil-burners effectively.
This leads us to the electrics. The main battery start is 12V AGM, while the house runs off 48V LiFePO4, stored in a ventilated locker near the mast on the main deck. In just the past two years, the availability of 48V components has skyrocketed, and this trend continues. This covers everything: oven, cooktop, fridge, AC, instant water heaters, you name it.
The esteemed Safiery Electrics have managed much of this development, providing 30kWh as standard via their self-contained Meteor battery range in carbon fibre cases, along with a specific battery management system. This setup prevents BMS failures (overheating, rapid discharge, and overcharging) and allows power to be redirected to ensure continuous operation. Monitoring and safeguards are also part of the package.
It’s essential to remember that this type of LiFePO4 system requires multiple checks before encountering problems. You’d likely face a Tsunami before dealing with that array.
Lee Randall, Rigging and Sales Consultant for Cure Marine, remarked, “The two instant hot water heaters (one in each hull) eliminate the need for carrying heated water in the engine room, distributing weight closer to the center of buoyancy on the main beam while also being lighter. However, an inverter is needed to convert from 48V to 240V.”
Currently, there is 3,850kW of Copperflex solar power on the roof, which can be upgraded to 4,400kW, avoiding the need to paint the boat black. Wind and hydro power could be incorporated, but solar seems well-covered, and high-output alternators are available on the mains if necessary. One might conclude that this indicates excessive AC demand, possibly even for snow-making on beaches and hills; better dial back and enjoy a mellow Ibiza Chill.
Randall further added, “Safiery has also equipped the boat with DAME Award-Winning Scotty AI DC to DC converters to direct charges precisely where needed. This technology features telemetry, so if your Wi-Fi is on, Jonathan Turnbull and Safiery’s team will be aware of any issues before you are.” Quite impressive, indeed…
Practical solutions lead to substantially longer stays at anchor without concern for combustion engines—just ice for the Sundowners. This battery management system also allows both mains to be started from a single starter battery if required.
“Cure Marine collaborates with Sydney’s Logix Group to ensure all potential issues related to marine corrosion and electrolysis are thoroughly examined,” Randall concluded.
The aim with a vessel of this caliber is to provide the broadest sailing window, employing easily manageable sails for efficient and swift sailing experiences. After all, the finishing touches are the sweetest. Few get a birthday cake at zero and must mark one; however, I predict we will celebrate one around mid-December with 55 candles ceremoniously arranged. Get those cameras ready…
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Lastly, stay safe, and let’s see where this journey leads us,
John Curnow
