Light Craft Construction using Sandwich Design with Vacuum Infusion

Abstract

This paper is based on the concept design, fabrication and successful commissioning of a functionally compact, economically powered, aesthetically and ergonomically designed round bilge, round transom, low air-draught day and week-end cruiser vessel primarily for backwaters. Though not geographically constrained this development is a model for promotion of heritage tourism in the Kerala coast and primarily in the heritage Muziris tourism circuit. The vessel features several firsts, primary among which is the lightweight construction adopting sandwich construction using polyurea PVC core light density, high strength core material and glass fibre fabric in the form of bi-axial and quadraxial fibre with highly economic rapid vacuum infusion process.