Progress...
Monday, April 6, 2009, 5 comments
Rendering of the finished CAD-drawing (Click to enlarge)
Nordic Kayak hybrid surfski Fusion is progressing as planned. The CAD-work is done and the manufacturing the mold is next. The kayaks will be built by Marströms in Västervik
Marström Composite is a world leading manufacturer of carbone prepreg with autclave technique - a production technique often used in eztreme applications like formula 1 cars, extreme sail racers and light aeroplanes. It is very exciting to get the opportunity to use Marströms state-of-the-art competence to reach a new level of kayak performance and finish .
Close-up of the cockpit layout with the groove for a hardtop with flange for a sprayskirt - nice for those who prefer sitting in a kayak as opposed to on top of one.
- Prepreg carbon means a lighter and stiffer kayak, due to a significantly increased fiber-matrix-ratio. The calculated weight of a 6,20 m long Fusion is approx 8 - 9 kg!
- The hull is manufactured in one piece - no seams or joints. It comes finished out of the autoclave - lighter, stronger and without weak points - a seamless kayak
- The technique also means extended durability, excellent load point handling and a longer lasting finish, than is attainable with traditional methods, including vacuum injecting - in general some 20% increase of these qualities.
After a short test this winter with the wooden prototype, Peter Eklström of (Global Surfski) had this to say:
"A first, short paddle with the Fusion (prototype)
I immediately felt very comfortable in the boat. No need for a seat pad as the bottom of the bucket is shaped different than in Epic and Fenn. A more “lean forward K1 position”. Very nice. Anyone who suffers a raw coccyx when ski paddling will love the Fusion.
The weather is cold and there are some tiny tiny bumps on the water. No rough waves, no downwind. So what can I say… I really enjoyed the Fusion in flat conditions. I wonder how it runs in choppy conditions?
Speed
I can’t tell if the ski is faster or slower than my Fenn Mako6 due to the cold weather conditions, but the boat kept a straight course at all speeds.
Stability
The Fusion feels more stable than my Mako6 and it becomes significantly more stable as it tips to one side. That is nice…"
Reports in magz and on sites (Swedish only):
surfski.info/content/view/983/147/
globalsurfski.se/2009/04/06/nordic-kayaks-fusion-surfski/
http://www.utsidan.se/cldoc/14689.htm
segelochpaddel.blogspot.com/2009/03/surfski-att-borja-med.html
