ARROWCAT 30 – Construction
- Vinylester resin is used to laminate the outer hull layers below and above the waterline. Vinylester resin provides better cosmetics, a better barrier against osmosis, and greater impact resistance than polyester resin.
- Below the waterline, the ArrowCat 30 hull is solid fiberglass for extreme durability and ease of maintenance.
- Above water, the hull sides, tunnel, transom, deck, cabin top, bulkheads, and transom are composite construction using Airex foam core (Switzerland). Foam core density and thickness is carefully engineered to provide the stiffness and shear strength essential in an offshore power catamaran. All composite core materials used in the ArrowCat are not only very stiff, but also never rot, and never absorb water, and are weight efficient structures for the lifetime of the vessel. No balsa wood is used in the construction of the boat.
The ArrowCat fiberglass laminates are hand-laid, using extensive unidirectional and bi-directional reinforcement fabrics. Fiberglass mat is used for cosmetic and bonding purposes, while the ArrowCat’s world-class structure relies on the performance of continuous strand fiberglass mats (both uni-directional and bi-directional) for both strength and exact thickness (which equals optimum stiffness without extra weight) meaning we have a stronger (strength/weight ratio) and more resilient (lower resin ratio = less brittle) laminate product.
Our hand layup method allows the reinforcement to be placed exactly where needed and for the panel thickness’ to vary according to engineering specs.
All joins (deck-to-hull, bulkheads to deck and hull, non-structural partitions) are hand fiberglassed to the hull and deck to make the ArrowCat 30 the most quiet, durable structure possible.
The hull/deck join itself is first bonded using Plexus adhesive — a super strong two-part methylmethacrylate adhesive. The hull-deck join is then completely fiberglassed from the inside to make a completely monolithic watertight structure that is not dependant on metal fasteners.
Wood is not used for structure in the hull, deck, bulkheads, stringers or transom. The boat will not rot, nor can it absorb water.
- Our fuel tanks are made by Coastline Equipment in Bellingham, WA and are certified by the USGC, and are fire and pressure tested
- Our wire is 100% tinned with USCG & UL certified insulation by Almo in Philadelphia, PA (all wire certified to a minimum of 105 degrees C)
- Our fresh water tanks are made in Idaho and our plumbing system is US FDA certified (John Guest, USA)
- Interior lighting fixtures are by Frilight (Germany)
- Electrical panels and components are from BEP (New Zealand)
- Cockpit hinges are from Niro Pederson (Germany)
- Latches, scuppers, and drains are from Southco (USA)
- Navigation lights, bilge pumps, and gas struts by Attwood (USA)
- Refrigeration by Norcold (USA)
- Windshield wiper system by Roca (Italy)
- Hatches and windlass from Lewmar (USA)
- Dual Hydraulic steering from Teleflex (Canada/USA)
- All deck hardware is 316 stainless steel
