Are Nortech's vacuum bagged?
 

I just read the review of the 36 cat in an older Poker Runs America (I sometimes get behind in my reading) and it stated that the hull is NOT BAGGED. Is that true? If so, why isn't it bagged? What is the argument for an against?

Thanks.

Nortechs are not bagged.

The agrument against bagging is that one could squeeze/extract the air out unevenly and thus creating thick/thin areas in the hull. Here, there could be enough force to 'push' the resin into areas that you do not want it.

I beleive all Nortechs are hand rolled.

Salesmanship on the board can clarify 100%, but he is tied up (no pun) at the Miami show.

Thanks. I always thought bagging was supposed to evenly distribute the resin and maximize the glass to resin ratio and thus keep weight down while maximizing strength. I'll look for more information from Terry when he isn't at the show.

I wonder if they have any intention of going to epoxy laminates like Platinum, Skater, Outerlimits and some others have used or switched to.

That is correct they are made the "Old Fashion" way.

Great Boat !

Terry, can you add anything? I'm trying to educate myself. Thanks.

Hey Miller,
If you want to squeeze every last bit of resin out, bagging is the way to go. However it can get too dry.
We hand roll every layer and once that layer dries we grind it smooth so that the next layer will be as free from voids a possible. Our methods take longer and yes it will be a little heavier at the end but we have NEVER had a structural failure or delamination. Kind of hard to argue with that. Our glass shop supervisor was in charge of building the NorSafe escape vessels used on offshore platforms and freighters. They have to freefall with a full crew 150' and survive.
Not to say we won't do anything different in the future but for now we like them strong.
Thanks
Terry

Thanks for the information Terry. We hear a lot about bagging used in building some of the 'high-end' boats. We don't often hear why one would not bag.

Re: Are Nortech's vacuum bagged?
 

Terry is this method still being used on the present boats. Just curious, liked the way my last Nortech felt so solid in the rough stuff, and just wondered what the difference was between the 2 lay ups (lighter layup) and approx weight savings on the 4300 and 5000. Thanks Jeff.

Re: Are Nortech's vacuum bagged?
 

yeah,...are you STILL laying them up by hand, or have you gone to vacuum bagging? :(

Re: Are Nortech's vacuum bagged?
 

Bagging is government mandated not boat builder mandated it does not build a better boat do some home work!!!!