Advice/expirtise needed:

[Navy Dave]

Hello,

I am a MBA student at Southern Methodist University - Cox School of Business. I am working on a five-year business plan project for a start-up boat manufacturing company. Not only is this a required project, but also I would like to see if this is a feasible project to actually pursue.

My question is how many layers and of what kind (mat, weave, weight?) of Fiberglass media would you recommend for a 14.5' planeing, air-entrapment hull, given your experience?

This is only for forecast financials. I have sourced all my materials based on estimates based on scraps of info gleaned here and there, but I am unsure if my estimations are accurate. Inaccuracies in materials requirements can have a significant impact in my financial projections.

The boat will be a 14.5’ planeing catamaran powerboat, with a stepped hull and center pod. I expect the boat to utilize a 50 hp motor.

The primary intended use is flats fishing in protected waterways.

The target weight is 700-800 lbs.

There will be two models:
1) Fiberglass vacuum resin infused
2) Kevlar/Graphite weave resin infused

I have no idea of material weight to use, type of media (mat, weave, etc)

The measurements are:

14.5’ long
7’ wide
3’ gunwales

I do not have any cad drawings, as the time frame is very tight on this project. If the numbers workout, I will continue to pursue this project further.

Let me know if there are any other details that need further clarification.

Thank you once again.
Dave

[ondarvr]

Check out Aksano Catamarans, they make almost exactly the boat you described.

[Navy Dave]

Thank you, I have, but maybe they can help me with my project. Thank you for the suggestion.