On the Prowl !

7th March 2008

The latest production boat to be built with the B3 SmartPac construction solution was launched at the Auckland International Boat Show. The Prowler by Logan, a 34ft power catamaran based on a Schionning hull design, developed by Logan Classic Boats, and built by Northland Contract Boat Builders (NCBB) in Whangerei, makes its debut at the show after just 3 months in build.

The Prowler by Logan is a prime example of how the B3 SmartPac solution, engineered and supplied by High Modulus, can help to meet performance and production requirements, whilst offering ease of build, and assuring the owner of good quality. The B3 SmartPac combines optimised yet practical composite engineering with pre-cut reinforcement and core materials, packed and delivered to the builders' door just when they need them.

Weight saving was a key objective for the design team at Logan Classic Boats, who have developed the Prowler to run on twin four-stroke 60hp engines. Through smart engineering and careful selection of materials, the High Modulus team provided a solution that led to boat with a displacement of just 3.4 tonnes, a top speed of 20+knots, and also meets the ISO 12215-5 Standard for composite construction, necessary for CE approval. It was also important for NCBB to be able to build the boat easily and quickly, so the laminate was designed from the outset with this production requirement in mind. The final specification included 0/90° E-glass for the hull, with Airex foam core in the top sides and Matline in the bottom; and +/-45° E-glass and Airex foam core for the wing deck.

The B3 SmartPacs are delivered just in time to start production, and due to the materials being cut to the exact size and shape required, NCBB now needs less storage space for the boat materials and has minimal waste levels. This has ultimately streamlined the production process and allowed them to deploy resource and space to other areas of the business.