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Bloke and others.
I have a problem calling composites new technology. It has been around since the late 60's. I also have a problem with quote "skill labor"! Those workers that did the actual work at DuPont making the actual composites weren't any more skilled at the time than what I believe is in the yacht builders factories now. All were just high school graduates, that were taught how to lay up. Even I, that worked in the R&D, only had a high school diploma at the time ( I was working my way thru college at the time). The engineering behind composites is out there, the manufactures just have to ask for the technology. I know for a fact, that yacht builders can order fiberglass impregnated with resin on large rolls to their specifications. The French yacht builders are doing this as we speak, not sure any American builders are. The quality control from by using pre-impregnated fiberglass is built it. Perfect resin mixing, perfect resin to fiberglass content to mention a few benefits. It takes the technology for the most part out for those builders that are afraid of it. I truly believe it is the builder's "fear" that keeps them from incorporating this technology. When I have talked to a few yacht manufactures at boat shows, that is the impression I walk away with. Furthermore, it is a huge time saving in man hours in lay up.
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