Building under VACUUM!!!

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I know some of you are aware that we started vacuum bagging our core layer into both the Vegas and Voyager sometime ago. We made the jump for a couple of reasons. Mainly to build stronger lighter parts, but also to work in the direction of some epa requirements that boat builders both small and large are going to have to comply with in the not too distant future and to get a jump on a GREAT technology that many builders are afraid to try

Well the next step in the learning curve is to bag a whole boat. The new Venom seemed like the right product for us to start with as your mold also has to have some specific things. As we developed the mold we planned from the beginning to bag the parts and built the mold to the right specs.

Today was the day to get at it. We had some factory reps from Airtech in and WOW! what a project. I am amazed at the the quality and can't wait to finish up and get the part out of the mold. (partly to see the part, but also IT IS THE FIRST VENOM!!!) Anyway I thought the board might like a look at the project as it happened. I'll attach some pictures with a description of whats taking place.

First shot is pre-fitting the bag and materials. As we had never built a Venom before this took a little extra time.

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The first step is to put all your laminate in, wetting out each layer as you go. You can also go to infusion of the resin which we hope to do in the future but you gotta walk before you run.

Anyway, here we are wetting out the layers, for the Venom we have also changed to an all Vinylester resin to increase strength.

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As I said under vacuum you put all your layers in at one time.

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Next comes the release film, breather, and the the bagging film.

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Next vacuum is applied to the whole boat, removing all the air.:eek:

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As the vacuum pressure comes up the air is removed from the laminate and replaced with resin. Excess resin is then trapped in the breather. Think about what that means??

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What it means is a lighter stronger part. There is no way hand rolling can remove the air and excess resin to this degree or as consistant across the part as this process. Parts are consistant throughout with the proper resin content.:cool:

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The finish you see is as it came out of the process. We did not clean up to the surface.:D

[steve]

Maybe Darris will break down and do this someday for us Allison owners ?????
Your Venom looks very sharp. How long and how much does it weigh in at for the hull bare?

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The VENOM!

[YoCon]

Very good looking boat. Cant wait to see the finished product!

[BLUElixir]

Thanks for those pics! I love seeing boats built!

Sweet boat!

[wing nut]

i like! i like! more pics more pics :) lol


WHY dont u ever update th hydrostream website with pics like these and stuff...??? also it still says the venom will be done march 03 :) u might wana change that a little.

will there be one at the rumble?

scott

[MODVP22]

Looking good. I'd like to see the pics of the finished boat when completed if possible. Is HydroStream coming to the Rumble?

[Racemore]

The Venom is outstanding.It carrys the HydroStream signature look too which is something every new boat has and that says it all for the R&D effort and foresight of Jim@Company.Hope to see it at the End of Summer Blowout 2.Lonnie:cool:

[Laker]

WOW!!!!!!!
This is it! This is the rig every Stream fan have been waiting for!!
JIM I cant tell you how COOOL this is of you to bring us along on your Journey of building the first Venom!
It looks better than my dreams!
looks like Lake racer has a new leader.:cool:

[Capt.Insane-o]

and will be doing another 17 deck and hull shortly. IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO BUILD A BOAT. If you have any free time coming up maybe you could come up and check it out. I'll pm you tomorrow. And the venom is VERY cool. Keep up the excellent work, and about the HST......;) :D Hope to see you at the rumble if I can make it.We can bs more there too.:cool:

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Thanks for all the kind words, the project has taken a lot longer than I thought but there is now a light at the end of the tunnel. For those who ask here and via e-mail here are a couple more pictures of the deck R&D.

Steve, the boat is 20'5". It is an all new bottom the only original Hydro Stream part of the hull is the nose and I just couldn't help myself. As for weight we have a target and after the vacuum bagging of the hull I'm sure we can come in below that number. I want to get the first one out of the mold and complete before I comment though. Lets just say you will have to add weight for lake racer.

Glad to hear comments like you can see Hydro Stream in it!

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Rear shot!

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Dash!

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After finishing the hull we spent a lot of time thinking about air flow and trying not to trap any anywhere.

[Doubledog]

Impressed? Nah. I expected it after seeing the previous work.;)