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Glacier Bay 2770 Completed

We completed the ALL NEW Glacier Bay 2770 in time for it’s debut at the Norwalk Boatshow, and so far the new model has been a big hit! The 2770 utilizes the new Glacier Bay 2700 hull which was redesigned for the Glacier Bay 2740 in order to utilize advanced laminates and an improved structure.

The 2770 features a larger helm without sacrificing cockpit fishing space. Included is a custom helmseat with a flip-up bolster and armrest, and an expansive electronics area capable of (1) 12″ screen or (2) 8″ screens. The helm area also includes a full l-lounge, and an entertainment center with a 20-gallon livewell.  Plenty of storage is available everywhere, and various options such as a stainless steel refrigerator are available.

The cabin was also completely redesigned for improved access and more space. The head was moved aft to separate it from the berth area in order to provide more privacy to the toilet and shower. A sink and LED lighting are included as standard.

Here’s the BoatTest.com performance video of the 2770 running:

Prototype #2 will be on display at the Lauderdale Boatshow, Space 2004 if you’re able to come see us. The changes have to be seen to be appreciated, we hope to see you there! As always if you need tickets feel free to contact us.

320CC Offshore Testing

We finished initial testing and seatrials yesterday on the brand new World Cat 320CC Center Console in Beaufort, NC… all went well! Once this boat gets to the Miami Boat Show we will perform official prop testing with Suzuki and release the final performance numbers.

Here’s some video of running in Beaufort Inlet:

We reduced the weight of this boat approx 20% using new processes and technologies. As a result, this boat weighs slightly more than a 290CC Center Console, which means more power and speed, and less time and money spent at the pump!

As a result, handling and performance for this boat was phenomenal, the only info I will release at this time is that she was able to get on plane and run at 30mph on only one engine

Next week we will release final performance #’s from Suzuki.

320CC Hull Infusion Video

This is a little late coming, however, better late than never :) The 320CC Center Console is complete and has been enduring extensive testing offshore Eastern North Carolina prior to shipping to the Miami Boat Show for it’s debut.

Here’s the video of actually infusing the 320 hull in October 2009. The video has been increased approx 5x normal speed, thus decreasing the total time of the video (and the infusion process) from approx 55 minutes to less than ten minutes.

I will be posting video of the boat running, and the initial performance data… this boat has succeeded in accomplishing our goal of reducing weight of the finished product by approximately 20% while increasing structural integrity. This reduced weight has resulted in a product with improved cruise and WOT speeds, improved handling, and increased fuel economy.

We are excited about this new technology and the possibilities it provides us for future development. Stay tuned!

1st 320CC Vacuum Infused Hull

At World Cat we are always trying to improve our products and build the best possible boat on the market. In designing the 320CC Center Console we went back to the drawing board to design a product from the hull up… this boat builds on our popular 290CC while giving the customer increased beam and length, as well as additional features.

Additionally, the hull for this boat is built using the best possible methods of boat production, vacuum infusion. As a company we are using this boat as our first foray into vacuum infusion… this will result in a product that is bulletproof, while reducing weight of the finished product. No other production catamaran builder is able to boast this advanced technology.

This technology allows us to meet our requirements of strength, rigidity, and low weight. Additionally, this boat will include a two-piece fiberglass stringer grid. This combination will result in product with superior strength for offshore use, while providing higher cruise and top-end speeds, and increased fuel economy.

By utilizing vacuum infusion we can ensure precise resin to glass ratios, and ensure perfect core and laminate bonds. The hull is infused with 100% vinyl ester resin which offer superior cosmetic and structural benefits.

We will continue to update our progress on the 320CC, and of integrating vacuum infusion into the production of our boats.

Vacuum Infusion Overview

Although building fiberglass parts via vacuum infusion isn’t a new process, it is typically reserved for high-end and high-performance products such as aircraft, supercars, and race boats. Once the basic concepts are understood, the process can be repeated consistently to produce high-quality laminates not possibly via hand lay-up techniques.

Key Equipment:

  • Vacuum Pump – The star of the show! The pump provides the pressure differential necessary to draw the resin through the dry laminates and optimally wet-out the materials.
  • Vacuum Bag – The bag completely encloses the part and applies constant, consistent vacuum equally across the part.
  • Resin Traps – Pressure pots are used between the vacuum bag and the vacuum pump to test the initial vacuum of the bag, and to protect the pump from ingesting excess resin from the part.
  • Sealant Tape – Used to seal the bag to the outer edge of the mold and provide an airtight bond between the mold bag and the vacuum bag. Additionally, the tape is used to repair leaks in the bag.
  • Vacuum and Feed Lines – Semi-rigid tubing connecting the various vacuum components (the pump, the pressure pots, and the vacuum bag) to one-another. Spiral wrap tubing is also used to direct the vacuum or feed lines as necessary.
  • Spray Glue – Used to secure the dry laminates to the mold or to previous laid layers of materials.

The Setup:

  • Install the dry laminates and coring, using the spray glue as necessary to hold in place.
  • Install the vacuum and feed lines per the manifold setup using a flow modeling tool such as RTM-Worx.
  • Apply sealant tape to the mold flange and carefully install the bag over the part and secure completely to the sealant tape.
  • Connect the resin traps to the vacuum pump.
  • Connect the resin traps to the vacuum lines of the bag.
  • Turn on the vacuum pump and apply full vacuum of 29.7HG to the part.
  • Shutoff the resin traps and perform a drop test to ensure that there are no leaks.
  • Once the part passes the drop test for leaks, clamp lines completely shut.
  • Connect feed lines and route to the resin source, clamp lines completely shut.
  • Catalyze necessary resin and place in resin source.
  • Unclamp the vacuum lines and feed lines as necessary to completely wet out the part.
  • Once the part is completely wet-out clamp all feeder lines except one.
  • Continue to apply vacuum to all lines until the part has reached peak exotherm and returned to ambient temperature.
  • Remove bag, lines, and peel ply and dispose.

This process once learned is easily repeatable, the quality of the laminated parts is ensured and far superior to any hand built parts due to the high glass to resin ratio. Additionally, the parts weigh less because only the required amount of resin is actually in the part.

We will detail the results of our first resin infused hull in the next update, stay tuned…