Why Enavigo Composite?

Enavigo composite consists of elements from two different worlds but brought together these materials provide an outstanding combination. The outer layers are carbon fibres, and the core of a light wood (red cedar), all bonded or laminated with epoxy resin in vacuum conditions.

The best in modern carbon fibre is combined with the best in traditional wood a proven boatbuilding material.

We have the extraordinary strength of the outer laminate layers provided by carbon fibre, but we also get new and desirable properties from the "core" of lightweight wood.

The synergistic effect of these two composite materials give tremendous advantages in boat construction which is particularly reflected in:

1 Optimum resistance to delamination due to the dynamic loads on the hull laminate whilst hitting the waves, especially in the flatter sections. This resistance is provided by the core of natural wood that is extremely resistant to fatigue and has excellent adhesion properties with the carbon fibres and epoxy binder. This resistance is particularly desirable for boats with flat-bottom hull, ie high speed racing form.

2 Multi-directional rigidity of the construction which is desirable especially in the longitudinal direction. The wood core has a much higher tensile strength and elastic module compared to the usual "core" materials and offers the perfect partner to the unidirectional carbon fibres.

3 Resistance to hull punctures due to hitting to fixed or moving obstacles. This is provided by the wood core with its increased mechanical properties.

4 Ideal mass distribution in the boat's vertical plane. In all boats it is desirable that the center of buoyancy be as low as possible. The "Enavigo Composite" hull exploits the relatively heavier wooden core low down, with a deck structure with a lighter PVC-core to further lower the centre of gravity.

5 Acoustic and thermal insulation. Wood core absorbs the sounds inside the boat, due to wave shocks and provides excellent thermal insulation reducing sweating.

6 Lifespan due to high resistance to delamination, this is the main cause of the limited life of racing strained structures.