Autoclave & tool design services

[JosephT]

Hello, I am inquiring whether anybody knows of US businesses that have experience building light boat (canoe/kayak) molds. I am working on some designs and am currently researching tooling shops. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Joseph

[DGreenwood]

As to Kayak builders, there are many that build molds and aspire to light weight. As to which are achieving the best results, I am not aware of.

I would say that if light weight is your primary concern you would find the best guidance from rowing shell builders and aerospace companies. There is nothing really exceptional about kayak shapes that would make them any different from many other molds out there. There these companies:
http://www.resoluteracing.com/
http://www.maasboats.com/

If it is schooling on the topic you are looking for, try these guys:
http://www.abaris.com/

Are you considering CNC cut tooling and what area of the US are you in?

[JosephT]

Hi, yes I am working on lightweight boats...primarily for fitness paddling & racing. Thus the search for a composite tooling house with an autoclave that will do the job. I'm located in the midwest, but location is not really that much of an issue. My primary goal is to find a good tooling outfit that has a track record.

Thanks,

Joseph

[DGreenwood]

I'd say these guys are about the best there are right now. Don't assume it would be more expensive because it is far away. They have this process down and come up with some pretty amazing prices considering the quality.

http://www.mouldcam.com/

[jim lee]

These guys.

www.fastpassage.com

They spent years making really light Kayaks and now do tooling as a business. THey made the hull mold for my project.

360 855-3300
Ask for Marty.

-jim lee

[JosephT]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!! :)

[Eric Sponberg]

Two other companies that make small boats and have an autoclave are:

Van Dusen Racing Boats, Concord, MA.: http://www.vandusenracingboats.com/
Ted Van Dusen has been a leader in olympic class racing shells and kayaks for decades. He has built many of my free-standing mast designs.

Also, Composite Solutions, Hingham, MA: http://www.csi-composites.com/
Talk to Barry Steinberg. They make any sort of composite parts, in an autoclave, that you might want. They have a history with DN iceboats. They have made some parts for me with great success.

Eric

[JosephT]

Thanks so much for your help Eric!

[DGreenwood]

I should have thought of Van Dusen! There is the guy you want to go to.