Technics
Safety, reliability and long life - high priority topics with
respect to materials and technical layout of the TOUCHWATER.
Therefore only materials, recommended and approved for naval
use, are applied.
Hull structure, appendages
and rudder equipment are made of aluminium alloys No. 5083 and
No. 6060.
Fasteners are of stainless
steel No. 1.4301, 1.4401, 1.4571 and similar materials (AISI
304, AISI 316, AISI 316Ti, A2, A4 etc.). Essential parts are
exclusively of highly corrosion resistant alloys as A4.
Although aluminium is very corrosion resistant by self-passivation,
most of the aluminium parts are painted or anodized.
To find out about long-term
corrosion behaviour, especially when used in sea water, surfaces
of some aluminium parts experimentally remained untreated (e.g.
the foot plate of the jibsheet cleat unit). Even so, besides
the mechanical signs of use, after some years the surface shows
just very little indication of corrosion. |
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To prevent galvanic corrosion
of the aluminium, contact faces of aluminium and ferrous material
are electrically isolated. |
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With standard boltings additional polyamide insulating plates
are used.
In case stainless steel
devices (e.g. rudder fittings) are mounted on aluminium, isolating
plastic elements are placed in between respectively.
Stainless steel bolts
directly screwed in aluminium threads, additionally are protected
by corrosion inhibitor. |
High rig loads are led
to the hulls by oversize joints. |
Geometry is for a smooth
distribution of forces. And after a few years use just the painting
is scratched. |
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The TOUCHWATER
hydrofoils are designed to fulfill diverse requirements in terms
of handling, maintenance and safety. |
All parts of the foil
system are made of aluminium. Ductility of the material gives
strength and robustness. And corrosion resistance makes the system
maintenance-free.
The system works automatically.
No additional handling is needed for foiling.
The foil system is
not manually controlled. Therefore it is designed for reliable
and safe operation especially in stronger winds and with higher
speed.
Applying the leading foil / main foil system, the catamaran is
lifted moderately and safely. There is no risk to crash from
an uncontrolled over-foiling level.
The system doesn't
use loose parts. By this it is robust and maintenance-free.
The draught of the
boat and fins is very small. The hydrofoils are attached to the
fins in small depth and, by this, are widely protected against
ground touching.
No foil is needed at the rudder, which is designed with a safe
mechanism, passively swinging up in case of ground touching.
The foils are located
in small water depth. They are realized easily, and for persons
in the water there is a reduced risk of getting injured. The
risk is also lowered by the shape of the leading foils at the
hull nose. |
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... that's
enough technical stuff. Let's get on the water
now ! |