Northstar RIBs completes single-stage hull-making process

The Turkish manufacturer has introduced the process, known as ONE-SHOT Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM), across its Vega Lite tender range, which now spans models from 2.9m to 4.2m. According to Northstar, this completes the company’s range of yacht tenders built using the manufacturing method.

Unlike conventional RIB construction, where the hull, deck, transom and structural reinforcements are produced separately before being bonded together, Northstar’s RTM process manufactures the complete rigid composite structure in a single moulding cycle. Northstar says the approach reduces production from multiple laminating, reinforcing and bonding stages to two principal stages.

RTM is already used in industries including aerospace, automotive and selected marine composite applications. Northstar has previously used the technology to manufacture selected components on other RIB models, but says the Vega Lite family is the first in which every model features a complete rigid structure manufactured using the process.

Benefits

According to the company, the manufacturing method reduces production time by around 50% while significantly lowering labour requirements. The closed-mould process is also intended to improve production consistency, dimensional accuracy and cosmetic finish while reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and excess resin waste compared with conventional open-lamination methods.

Northstar says the resulting structure is fully bonded, 100% foam-filled and built using wood-free composite construction. The company also says the rigid structure is designed to remain afloat if damaged until the foam becomes fully waterlogged.

Although the technology has been introduced on the Vega Lite yacht tender range, Northstar designs and manufactures RIBs for commercial and professional applications as well. The company says the ONE-SHOT RTM process was developed to simplify production while producing lighter, stronger and more consistent composite structures.

“Completing the Vega Lite family marks the culmination of five years of engineering and product development,” said Northstar RIBs president Cengiz Arsay. “Our ONE-SHOT RTM method allows us to deliver lighter, stronger and more consistent yacht tenders while improving production efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of manufacturing.”

Founded in 2002, Northstar operates three production facilities in İzmir, Turkey, producing more than 700 boats a year for customers in more than 30 countries through a network of more than 60 dealers.