Viking 90 build update - Resin infusion
by Viking Yachts 25 May 2022 19:58 BST
Viking 90 - Gelcoat completed © Viking Yachts
Driven by the Viking mantra to build a better boat every day, our shipwrights continue to press forward with the construction of our new flagship - the Viking 90 - in anticipation of the yacht's world premiere at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2023.
With the application of the gelcoat completed (as shown above), our Viglass team began laying in the construction materials.
Fiberglass structural laminates - including carbon fiber - and core materials are put into the mold in preparation for infusion. The process bonds the outer structural laminates, core materials and inner structural laminates in a composite sandwich construction method. Resin infusion ensures the optimal resin-to-fiberglass ratio that brings the build to its greatest strength.
This image was taken moments before the process began, showing the vacuum bag, vacuum lines and feed lines installed. A vacuum drop test had already been completed to confirm there were no leaks throughout the assembly. An eight-person crew, led by Viglass Supervisor Juan Beltran and Foreman David Bonilla, carried out the infusion process, which takes just under an hour to complete.
The perimeter of the part dictates the resin flow direction. In the case of the 90 hull, the vacuum originates from around the perimeter of the hull flange and on centerline. Infusion begins on each side of the keel. After the keel is filled, resin continues to be drawn outboard and up the hull sides.
Gel time testing is done for each feed line's resin supply to verify the resin is meeting its specific cure time.
There are four separate feedline manifold areas where the flow of resin is controlled. Each manifold area is strategically located to optimize resin flow.
For the infusion of a new model, it's all hands on deck! In image above, from left to right: Juan Beltran, Viking President and CEO Pat Healey, Vice President of Design and Engineering Lonni Rutt and Production Manager Pat Armano discuss the successful infusion of hull No. 1.
The image above shows the completed infusion, with laminates fully wetted.
After the resin is cured, the vacuum bag, vacuum lines, feed lines and other materials are removed, making the hull ready to receive its stringers and resin-infused structural bulkheads.
For more information about the Viking 90, we cordially invite you to contact your authorized Viking Yachts dealer. Stay tuned for more reports on the build process of our new flagship.