MultiPanel is made from a high density polyurethane composite material which also has excellent insulation and acoustic properties, not to mention an impressive list of 'green' credentials. For the eco-friendly boatbuilder, MultiPanel is a non-toxic, non-hazardous material containing no fibrous or flammable components and also no ozone damaging agents, greenhouse gases, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is manufactured from non-petroleum based oils.

It is a viable alternative to many timber based products, can be granulated and recycled as insulation foam, and is 70% lighter than marine ply. The product can be glued, screwed, heated, bent and curved using a simple heat gun, cut with standard woodworking tools, waterjet cut and CNC machined. It is a flexible material which, once laminated, increases stiffness and toughness whilst optimising weight. Costs are competitive with traditional building materials such as MDF, particle board, marine ply and PVC panels. Panels are sized 2.4m by 1.2m in thicknesses of 8, 12, 16, 18, 25 and 30mm.

A number of boatbuilders down under have already had that 'Eureka' moment when discovering MultiPanel, including Jim Gard, CEO of Fusion Catamarans Australia. Strength and weight are his primary consideration when building successful multi-hulls. He is now offering his customers pre-routed flat pack internal furniture kits made of MultiPanel which he says will save over 300kg compared to conventional materials.

Southern Cross Marine is already reporting huge interest with regard to marine and aircraft fit-out operations from across Europe. Stop by their stand at Seawork 2008 before the queue gets too long.