Valhalla V-46 Structural Grid Infusion | Latest News
Valhalla Boatworks V-46 Structural Grid Infusion | Latest News
Announced earlier this summer, the Valhalla V-46 center console is moving full steam ahead. The latest news from the Viking Yachts subsidiary company is the resin infusion of the first V-46’s structural stringer grid. According to the New Jersey boat manufacturer, it was all hands on deck during the 30-minute process of infusion. “Our design, engineering and manufacturing experts monitored the process to optimize build efficiency,” says Design and Engineering Vice President Lonni Rutt. “There’s redundancy with certain build-process materials for the part’s initial infusion that’s fine-tuned for future builds.”
What is a Structural Stringer Grid
A boats’ structural grid consists of boat stringers which are wooden lengths typically found in older boats, or pre-fabricated fiberglass molds found in newer boats. They are designed in a lattice or grid system to create a supporting structure, similarly to how joists hold up the floorboards in a house. A boat’s structural stringer grid is key to hull strength.
Valhalla Boatworks Structural Stringer Grid Process
Valhalla Boatworks utilize a structural grid as an independent component for a more effective overall manufacturing operation. These structural stringer grids are used in all of their V Series models and a big reason for the smooth, solid ride of their boats. This building method also allows for Gelcoat-finished interior sections and enables the installation of chases for wires and hoses
Utilizing a calculated fiberglass-to-resin ratio, the structural stringer grid minimizes weight while bringing stiffness and strength to Valhalla’s high-performance center console. An engineered composite of fiberglass fabrics and coring is infused with vinylester resin using a vacuum. Take a look at the video below to view the process of the V-46’s structural grid infusion.
