Riviera took another major technology step this week with the infusion of the hull on its new 5800 Sport Yacht – one of the largest infusion projects ever undertaken in Australia.
The 5800 Sport Yacht is scheduled for release at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May next year.
Riviera CEO John Anderson said: “The 5800 Sport Yacht is one of the largest infusion projects by a production boat builder in Australia. We first adopted this leading edge technology on our very successful 4400 Sport Yacht last year. The 4400SY was named Boat of the Year for 2008.”
Mr Anderson said the benefits of infusion included a lighter weight hull that is very strong, with a consistent thickness throughout.
Jim Logan, Lamination Manager at Riviera, said: “The process is environmentally friendly and very comfortable for our staff. Basically, the layers of fibreglass are laid on the hull mould then a plastic ‘bag’ is laid on top and sealed. The air is extracted through pipes connected through the plastic. Catalysed resin is then pumped in and the vacuum draws it evenly throughout the sealed area.
“The resin infusion process takes about two hours. We leave the hull to dry and cure for 16 hours, then lift off the plastic and begin installing the longitudinal and transverse stringers into the hull.”
Riviera has already received orders for six of the four-cabin 5800 Sport Yachts which include three of the revolutionary Volvo Penta IPS drive units.
