G.R.P-Kevlar Aramat. Construction Technically superior to metal (steel and aluminium), the Aramat composite (Glass/Kevlar) is used in state-of-the-art industries: aeronautics and aerospace technologies. COUACH has initially utilized these high quality materials for the military and Patrol coast guard boats which required much higher standards and then used the Aramat for the complete structure (hull, deck, roof) of all the yachts. We have been building boats using those materials for more than 30 years without seeing any ageing effects. Aramat is most reliable material and secure material in the motor yacht industry. Our engineers have developed a method of construction for hulls made in Aramat which reply to the five most important specificities : Performance The light weight of Aramat hulls allows for higher navigation speeds while maintaining the same motorization, in relation to metallic constructions.(density of GRP 1.7 / aluminium 2.7) Shock resistance The Kevlar component in our hulls is remarkably shock resistant, significant when dealing with collision interception. The Kevlar is used in bullet proof jackets because the fiber is incredibly difficult to cut , meaning that in case of shock or underwater impact the hull will not be teared out . In another hand, in case of shock the elasticity of the Aramat allows the two sides of the skin to join again , minimizing the dimension of the hole and the entry of water inside the hull , witch is not at all the case of the non elastic aluminium witch will be definitely putted out of shape allowing an important quantity of water to enter Rigidity The mechanical characteristics of Aramat allow us to build ships which are particularly rigid and solid. They can therefore sail in the worst climatic conditions. Non-corrosion One of the most remarkable characteristics of Aramat is its total insensibility to oxidation and absolute non conductivity for electrolysis problems, therefore rendering it completely resistant to corrosion compared to the very sensitive aluminium. This quality permits considerable reductions in maintenance costs and immobility time. Aramat limits the totality of ageing effects. One of the problems of aluminium with oxidation is the fact that if it appears in a place difficult to control ( under floor corners ,below tanks,…) it is very difficult to treat before Reparability In the case of serious accidents, reparations on Aramat structures do not require any particular materials, nor electricity, nor gas. Reparations can be done on board, thus avoiding the return of the vessel; always costly. Simplicity, rapidity and limited immobility all reduce reparation costs. Sound and thermal insulation Acoustical and thermal insulation is integral , this type of construction compared to aluminium (single skin) ,is much quieter because the core damps out structure bone noise as well as pounding seas, giving a boat incredibly more confortable This property eliminates the need of additional insulation, and in addition with the inutility of additional structural renforts creates more living space in a hull of the same beam The natural thermal insulation of the cored GRP avoids also the condensation on the internal face of the hull due to the difference of temperature between the inside and the outside of the boat Meaning by the way no internal musty-smells due to the presence of inaccessible water behind insulation, and again less corrosion problems Patrol Boats References PLASCOA: sailing the seven seas ... Besides cruisers, COUACH designs patrol boats under the name of PLASCOA, with an excellent reputation for stability. The exceptional marine quality and reliability of PLASCOA boats is founded on 4 generations of naval know-how. From Albert COUACH, inventor of the first marine engine in 1897, to Guy COUACH, the first shipbuilder to use Aramat, to today’s technological innovations. Unequalled hulls from 11 to 50 metres Hull solidity and performance have made COUACH one of the principal suppliers for national and international navies and administrations for over 50 years. These units are built to order and satisfy very demanding specifications for precise usage: patrol, pilotage, rescue, fire suppression, offshore oil rig shuttles, etc. International references COUACH has supplied over 150 vessels to French and overseas administrations: coast guards, French police force, customs, fire brigade, sea-rescue companies, armies, public services ... Technological lead Reliability, rigour and quality For over 50 years the exceptional quality of the yachts created by COUACH has allowed the company to become a leader not only on the cruiser market but also on the utilitarian boat market. Every unit leaving the site is equipped with quality insurance complying with the norms imposed (ISO 9001, Veritas, Lloyds, Germanisher Lloyd, etc...). They benefit from the meticulous finishing of the yachts built by the site’s leisure zone and are subject to rigorous testing throughout construction, recognized by all classifications. Permanent technological supervision Genuine research and development centre, in close contact with naval shipyards, scientific labs and the most prominent aeronautical organisations; this activity is the site’s technological showcase. Research carried out for these specific units is also put to use for the conception of COUACH cruisers, obtaining the most outstanding yachts on the market.