Maguire Boats Foiling Moth Hydrofoils Engineered from SHD’s Advanced Materials
SHD Composites are working in partnership with Maguire Boats to supply high modulus carbon fibre prepreg for the production of hydrofoils for high-performance foiling Moths.
Combining SHD's VTC401 resin system with compression moulding, the programme delivers the stiffness, strength and consistency required for hydrofoils to perform at the highest level.
The Challenge: Maximum Stiffness at Minimum Weight
A foiling Moth uses underwater wings to lift the hull clear of the water once sufficient speed is reached. Once ‘flying’, only the foil struts and surfaces remain immersed, dramatically reducing drag and allowing more of the sail's power to be converted into forward motion.
That puts significant demands on the foils themselves, so they require the highest possible stiffness at the lowest possible weight, and Maguire Boats needed a material and process that could deliver this consistently, in the quantities a boat builder requires.
The Solution: Material and Process Working Together
Composites are the ideal engineering material for this application, and carbon fibre prepreg offers clear advantages. Resin content can be tightly controlled, and using pre-impregnated fibres achieves a high-quality laminate with minimal void content.
SHD's VTC401 resin system, used in a compression moulding process, allows for the highest possible laminate quality. Pairing it with high modulus carbon fibres then delivers the maximum stiffness to weight ratio.
Sourcing high performance, high modulus carbon fibre in modest quantities can be a challenge. SHD stock these fibres and fabrics through its work with motorsport teams, so they can support high-performance applications of all order sizes with very short lead times. Alongside responsive and knowledgeable technical support, this made SHD Composites the partner of choice for Maguire Boats.
The Material
VTC401: An epoxy resin system designed to give an initial cure at low temperatures or snap cure at high temperatures with enhanced toughness, honeycomb bondability and higher service temperature, giving greater flexibility in component manufacture.
Process: Compression moulding.
The Result
The programme has given Maguire Boats a reliable supply of prepreg made with high modulus fibres in the right quantities, backed by short lead times and close technical support.
“Developing hydrofoils for competitive sailing demands materials that deliver the highest levels of stiffness, strength, and consistency. SHD were instrumental in the success of our programme, being able to supply prepreg made with high modulus fibres in the right quantities. Combined with quick lead times, excellent communication, and first-class technical support, SHD proved to be a highly valued partner throughout the project. Their understanding of high-performance composite applications and commitment to customer success set them apart.” - Simon Maguire, Founder of Maguire Boats.
With market leading capacity and response times, SHD Composites is the partner of choice for marine manufacturers around the world. Looking for advanced composite experts offering exceptional product quality, short lead times and highly experienced technical support? Get in touch with SHD here.
