Kevlar Laminated 37

RAGNAR · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007

I just heard that the 37 will soon be manufactured with a Kevlar laminate bellow the waterline. (I'm under the impression that this is the technology Saga announced in one of their 2004 press releases.)

Anyone know more?

Any thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach?

niko · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2007

Yes, it is the same technology. Saga developed it with duPont I think. So now that they've meged with PSC, why not use it for everything.

Unlike carbon fibre, kevlar doesn't have any real structural strength over, say fibreglass. But it is much more impact-resistant - that's why they make bullet-proof vest out of it. So it is perfect for the outermost layer of your hull - for things that go bump in the night.

camaraderie · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2007

Kevlar is in use in several other boats as well and is not all that new. No problems reported that I am aware of and it just might help if you hit a container.

Zanshin · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2007

My Jeanneau 43DS hull is Kevlar reinforced (according to the sales material) for structural strength. Kevlar is more complex to work with than normal fiberglass.