SUPERSAIL WORLD 74 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2018
dvanced composites might be the materials
of choice for those looking for a performance
edge in their superyacht, but there is normally
a price to pay in construction time, the
expertise needed to build in composites and,
consequently, the cost.
Fibre Mechanics, a new Lymington-based company
developed by a highly experienced team of composites
experts, aims to change that by automating elements of
flat-panel manufacture to significantly reduce build time and
cost. In large sailing yacht construction, flat panels, made of
carbon skins and lightweight Nomex or foam cores, are used
extensively for bulkheads and accommodation parts and are
usually custom-built by hand. According to Fibre Mechanics,a 115ft carbon composite yacht requires 15,000 hours to
build the flat panels alone, taking the equivalent of 15 skilled
workers six months to produce. Fibre Mechanics aims to
reduce the hours to just 6,000.THE HULLS
The company also believes it is possible to manufacture
topsides and deck panels using the same basic process,
which could herald a further dramatic reduction in overall
build time and cost for larger yachts of 45m or 50m plus.
The need for custom tooling, including the time-consuming
hand-built timber ‘plug’ over which a hull is sometimes built or
a mould created, would be eliminated.
Fibre Mechanics has the ability to put shape into panels,FLAT
PACK
SUPERYACHTING
In an industry defi ned by bespoke luxury, composites specialists Fibre Mechanics
could herald a revolution in boatbuilding. David Glenn reports