South Africa’s Leopard Catamarans, part of Robertson and Caine (R&C), is adopting a new ‘single shot resin infusion’ technique in its hull construction. This innovative method replaces the traditional three-step process by infusing the entire hull with resin in one go, enhancing durability, strength, and weight efficiency while eliminating the need for secondary bonding.
The new technique promises a more consistent resin distribution, minimizing structural repairs along join lines, which bolsters the hull’s overall integrity. R&C is also implementing advanced acoustic leak detection to ensure the vacuum system’s integrity before each infusion, further improving production reliability.
Additionally, R&C has introduced several quality control measures, including a second hull inspection 30 days post-demoulding and testing a thicker print blocker to enhance aesthetics. With these improvements, R&C aims to strengthen hull construction and quality, responding to the growing emphasis on sustainability in manufacturing.
Looking ahead, R&C is developing a new resin recipe to optimize infusion during warmer months and is exploring hull temperature control to further reduce environmental impact. These initiatives are expected to enhance the durability and craftsmanship of their catamarans significantly.
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