This morning, our composites team completed the infusion of the deck for the 34th and final JPK 45 FC… Before it is replaced by the JPK 48 FC next year. Emotional stuff! This is a chance to tell you how this crucial step in the construction of one of our boats is carried out.
The deck mold contains all the layers of fiberglass fabric wrapping the PVC foam core, which have been carefully laid out over the past two weeks, then covered with a plastic sheet to create a vacuum.
On this day, our team gets up early to be on site by 6 a.m., for two reasons: first, a reasonable temperature is needed for the resin to polymerize properly; second, it allows for silence to detect any leaks during the vacuum process, which is impossible during the day with the shipyards running at full throttle...
After creating the vacuum, the technicians position the injection pipes and begin mixing the resin, monitoring the temperature and timing. Then, at the right moment, they open the valves to allow the resin to be drawn in by the vacuum and migrate through the fabrics and the sandwich core, zone by zone: compagnionway, cockpit, roof, then the gangways, and finally the deck.
The process is quick: it takes just two to three hours for the whole structure to harden! The vacuum is not released until 24 hours later to ensure the composite has taken hold all the way through. Next come the following steps: demolding, contouring, flipping, then mounting the equipment on the deck before it is joined to the hull...
To learn more about the new JPK 48 FC, see below!
JPK 48 FC
The JPK 48 FC is an offshore cruising yacht designed to sail far, fast, for long periods and in complete safety. It replaces the JPK 45 FC, with a launch scheduled for spring 2027!
