FGI quality backs growing regatta

by Seawind media on 18 Nov 2007 Fibre Glass International (FGI) commitment to supplying the highest quality composite products, technology and on-call support has helped Seawind grow to become Australia’s leading designer and manufacturer of cruising catamarans.

Given the critical role FGI plays in our ongoing success in our business– both here and internationally – we’re always pleased to highlight our association with this highly professional company.

FGI is our No 1 supplier of all composite materials, and provides ongoing process technology that allows us to stay Australia’s leading manufacturer of cruising catamarans.

FGI – which has been supplying products and services to us for more than 15 years – has always played a role as a chief regatta sponsor in the event’s nine-year history. This year is no exception, with FGI being Gold Sponsor for the event, FGI supplies all fibreglass, gelcoats, resins and catalysts we use in making Seawind cats, and as 75 per cent of every boat we build is ‘glass, product quality, and service and support are critical to Seawind’s growing popularity.

'We particularly value FGI’s on-call response to any issues we may have in the manufacturing process,' production engineer, Mike Rees, says.

'If we’ve ever had an issue – here or overseas – with any of the products we’re using, FGI is on the case immediately . . . And we need that level of support given the final sales cost of our boats, and the length of time we expect them to sail under all conditions.'

Rees says FGI is also assisting in Seawind’s move to resin-infused hulls for the Seawind 1160, a process which draws resin through the fibreglass under a vacuum.
The process, which Seawind has started using in recent weeks, calls for new resins, and a completely different process to boat building, Rees says.

'We’re already producing a number of resin-infused products, such as deck hatches, but once we start using the process on entire hulls, we’ll swing into a critical production phase,' Rees says.

'If there are any issues involved in the process, we’ll not simply be scrapping a few components . . . We’ll effectively need to scrap an entire boat. And this could have a sever effect on production schedules.'

The move to resin-infusion has distinct advantages over traditional fibreglass boat building.

For starters, we’ll have a more consistent resin flow throughout the job, leading to a more consistent, uniform ‘glass structure, Rees says. And this, in turn will lead to better construction values.

'This more consistent characteristic will also deliver better sailing results,' he says.
Then there’s the far superior health and occupational safety aspects of the process.
Being fully enclosed in their moulds, each job will produce much lower emissions, making it far safer for our workers.

'Without the quality of FGI’s products, and the dedicated support of the company’s staff, we’d feel a lot less comfortable taking this new production path,' Seawind’s managing director, Richard Ward, says.

For its part, FGI is equally pleased to be associated with this year’s regatta.
The company’s marine products and account manager, Tim Ryan, says his company is extremely proud of its long association with Seawind.

'We’re pleased to be this year’s regatta Gold Sponsor, and we’re looking to a long and constructive relationship with Seawind . . . one that continues for many more years,' Ryan says.

'We’re delighted to see Seawind go from strength to strength in the Australian and international recreational boating business. They produce a wonderful range of cats, and they deserve all the success they’re receiving.'