Arrow on target with DuFLEX panels for ease, precision and lightweight strength
Naval architect, Felix Spencer, has a definite edge when it comes to building his own boat. He runs his own company, Groundswell Designs, specialising in custom designs from premises on their property in Port Denison, WA – a coastal town four hours’ drive north of Perth.
He and partner Onika, who is a qualified marine electronics technician and has worked on commercial boats her whole life, are aiming to build their dream project – a Schionning Arrow 1360, a 45-foot sailing catamaran which they plan to cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific to dive, surf, fish and explore.
“We really loved the Schionning Arrow series. They’re designed to be a mix of performance and cruising yacht – not quite full race spec, but capable of doing a cruising speed of around 10kts, and top speed of above 20kts!
“We felt that the performance catamaran would be far more beneficial for the type of sailing we wanted to do at home on the west coast of Australia, but also for much bigger adventures internationally in the future.”
They started mid-2025 and acknowledge that it will be a three-to-five-year project around their day jobs. Their aim is to keep the momentum and motivation moving.
Before commencing the build, they had built a few smaller fibreglass boats and undertaken a rebuild of a Haines Hunter V19.
“When looking for our next project, we originally had planned to find an older style sailing catamaran and rebuild, however, we came across the Schionning kits and we were super excited to be able to build something new.
Their dream boat will certainly be customised for long sojourns at sea, but Felix and Onika have decided on the principles of “keeping weight to a minimum and functionality over aesthetics”.
“Every choice we’ve made for the fitout of this boat has involved a lot of research and comparison, from engines to cupboards and everything in between. A common problem with catamarans is the overloading and misplacement of weight within the vessel, even more so because we are building a performance catamaran.”
They chose the Schionning platform for its proven hull and ability to sail two-handed, plus the fact that ATL Composites’ DuFLEX panel system is specified.
“It’s a cost-effective and easy to use kit, and we are really enjoying seeing the boat come to life,” said Felix.
“Every choice we’ve made for the fitout of this boat has involved a lot of research and comparison, from engines to cupboards and everything in between. A common problem with catamarans is the overloading and misplacement of weight within the vessel, even more so because we are building a performance catamaran.”
The couple marked out the dimensions of the vessel on the floor of the shed to get the basic arrangement of internal spaces and then they began construction.
First was joining all 194 of the individual panels together and cutting out the full-size components. “At this stage we also spent a lot of time organising and planning where we put everything in the shed as we are going to be very tight in the shed once it all comes together,” Felix commented.
They joined all the panels, built the cabin top, completed all additional layups/reinforcements on the major bulkheads, built the forebeam, then built, faired and put the initial primer on the hulls.
“We’ve got both hulls up the right way now and are just finishing off the internal tapes before we can start installing bulkheads in the not too distant future,” he added.
“The DuFLEX system makes it all so simple,” Felix said.
“It’s a fast and accurate method. My background as a naval architect is designing aluminium vessels and working with the DuFLEX panels is very similar to receiving an aluminium flatpack.
“Our kit was supplied with MDF build jigs, which we found very helpful – super quick to put together, and the build frames have all lined up nicely with the DuFLEX panels. We built our hull jig in two days, and had the hull panels fitted, glassed and ready for fairing in two weeks. Amazing!
“Basically everything we have used so far has been supplied by ATL: DuFLEX panels, resins, fillers, carbon, e-glass and consumables.”
The build is utilising a combination of ATL-formulated epoxy systems, including WEST SYSTEM® products for bonding, filleting and fairing applications, along with KINETIX® R246TX epoxy resin and H160 hardener for laminating and taping throughout the construction process. The lightweight composite systems and engineered epoxy technologies complement the performance-focused design of the Arrow 1360, while ATL’s locally manufactured marine systems and technical support have provided confidence and consistency throughout the build.
With decades of experience in marine composites, ATL’s epoxy systems and DuFLEX panels continue to be widely specified across custom and production boatbuilding projects throughout Australia and internationally, proven at sea in demanding marine environments.
As to when they hope to launch their Arrow, Felix stated “That is the million dollar question!
“Our goal has always been to ideally do it in under five years, if possible, which would put us around 2030, but there are so many other factors in life that dictate how much time we can both put into the boat.”
And while dreams of sailing the South Pacific are certainly the motivation, the build process itself is extremely satisfying.
“Personally, I am enjoying it all! Some parts get a bit repetitive (fairing), but it’s very rewarding seeing it all come together and slowly ticking off each item. Onika is definitely looking forward to wiring the boat and doing the engine installation – which is her forte!”
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