Progress continues on RM tooling preparation in the workshop. In the office the A Cat design is approaching completion. R10R and IOM developments are in the pipeline and consultancy work continues on aerospace projects.Read More

Progress on Katana RM tooling: Plugs/patterns have been delivered, now preparations begin for taking female moulds.Read More

Some revealing images from the A Cat RANSE modelling: Small changes in pitch have very interesting effects on wavemaking and, therefore, on drag. Contrast the shape of the breaking bow wave in these two snapshots… Taking that step forward or aft along the gunnel as conditions change is really important.Read More

Katana appendage tooling machined directly as female moulds from solid metal… The fin incorporates additional drought so it will be suitable for larger boats such as 10 Raters. It can also be adapted for classes with restricted drought such as the IOM. The lower Reynolds Numbers characteristic of IOM class boats makes it advantageous to use the top part...Read More

Well, the longer  than initially planned but more sophisticated hull CFD test schedule is nearing the end… Results have been very informative. Work will now shift to deck shape and crossbeams while preparations continue for construction. More will be unveiled soon.Read More

Progress continues at pace on Katana M hull and deck tooling… Images courtesy Alex Kryger, Aptec Composites.      Read More

As work continues on tooling, the new deck shape is now visible. A good opportunity to share the thinking that led to the chosen layout. Initially a dedicated RC tray moulding was designed with the aim of locating the mass of winch, batteries and servo as low in the boat as possible and close to...Read More

From virtual to reality. The magic is being worked by Aptec Composites. Images courtesy Alex Kryger. Hull plug/pattern (above) and deck plug (below) machined ready for surface finishing. Notice the bonding flanges for mast tubes and centreboard case, as well as all deck features, integrated in the tooling to ensure accuracy and repeatability. The mould flanges...Read More

Some images of the mould files ready to cut. In the case of hull and deck, male patterns will be machined to replicate the finished outer surfaces. Composite moulds will then be taken from the patterns which also incorporate the mould mating flanges. The finished moulds will be made such that they can be closed...Read More

Previous posts on A Class Catamaran material choices hinted at the influences of core type on construction process. Let’s look at the options in construction method and the unique requirements of each. Foam Core Hull panel lamination can take place in one or two steps, depending on whether a perforated core is used.  A perforated...Read More