The SeaBoater range of carbon cruising yachts are setting new standards for real performance cruising yachts.

Over the past ten years people from our team have focused their efforts on designing winning race boats ranging from Grade Prix to America's Cup. Along with race boats, our team has also developed numerous cruising yachts, and now through the SeaBoater brand, we are proud to introduce the latest thinking in performance cruising yacht design. Here we will describe some sections of our carbon yacht building process.

Carbon yacht construction
Carbon yachts are constructed using an carbon and epoxy resin composite laminate over a honeycomb core using a vacuum bagged hand lay-up and post cured. The yacht will be designed and built to comply with the ABS “Guide for Offshore Racing Yachts”. General construction practices will be built in conformance with ABS standards and guidelines and accepted modern boat building methods. The yacht shall be built in a permanent building with adequate ventilation, insulation and light. The building shall have proper equipment to control humidity, regulate temperature and to remove dust.

Materials
A recognized supplier SP Systems or equal, as agreed by the Builder and Architect will supply all reinforcement fabrics. The primary reinforcement material is carbon fiber. The resin is to be epoxy, SP Systems or equal, and approved by the reinforcement fabric supplier and the Architect. The resin must be able to withstand temperatures of up to 140°F without distortion. The resin manufacturer's requirements and instructions shall be strictly adhered to. Hull and deck are to be post cured per resin manufacturer’s instructions. All hull and deck core materials are to be Corecell or equal. Core bond to be approved by core manufacturer. To keep track of materials, each batch of resin and catalyst, as well as all types of cloth, shall have the lot number, date of manufacture, date of delivery and date of use recorded.
The hull is to be built over a skinned and faired male plug. The deck is to built over skinned female plug. Vacuum bag techniques are preferred in the construction of the hull, deck and bulkheads. The vacuum bag shall be capable of 1 bar of pressure throughout the curing process or as recommended by the resin supplier. Elevated temperature cure shall be employed in the construction of the hull, deck and bulkheads in accordance with resin manufacturer’s recommendations.


Deck/House/Cockpits laminate to include the following:

Internal Structure
The laminated internal hull and deck structure includes girders, floors, longitudinals and deck beams. Stiffeners are to be made of carbon fiber over foam core formers. Carbon fiber laminates will be combinations of unidirectional tapes and biaxial fabrics. Particular attention is to be paid where joiner members are tabbed to hull and deck and are considered structural members. Watertight and Structural Bulkheads
The forepeak and lazarette bulkheads are watertight. Particular attention is to be paid to ensuring that all pipe and wiring penetrations are sealed and that watertight integrity is maintained. Watertight and structural bulkheads are to be made of Nonex or equal honeycomb cored composite panels. Watertight and structural bulkheads are to be fully tabbed to hull, both sides, using +45°/-45° tapes. Proper fillets to be formed using a low density filler mix.

Non-Structural Bulkheads
Bulkheads are to be Carbon/Corecell composites with wood veneers or faired and painted lacquer finish above soles.

Deck Hardware
All deck gear to be fitted with stainless steel thru bolts, carbon backing plates, washers and nyloc nuts. All exterior hardware for latches, hatch closure, hinges, bases, etc. shall of stainless steel construction and shall be fully corrosion resistant. All exterior hatches, companionways and locker doors shall be provided with a means of secure closure to prevent unauthorized access. A lock system shall be provided for the companionway and the crew cabin forward.