Advice/expirtise needed:

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

 

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

 

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