WARNING: NOT ALL PLASTIC BOATS ARE CREATED EQUAL
- It is important to have the right high density inner foam sandwich, without which accidental collisions can create a series of dings throughout the outer hull surface and not being able to reform. Note: There are some single layer plastic designs on the market which are known to have the disadvantages of high weight (sometimes disguised with a low freeboard design), low hull buoyancy, low ability for hull to reform after a major ding, Lower hull speed and hull warping due to lack of trilam hull strength and rigidity.
- The quality of the plastic used is a very important factor which has a direct bearing on how well the boat sails and promotes a stiff and fast hull also cutting down on surface abrasions, to test push thump nail into the outer surface, if it goes in it will be cheap industrial plastic (usually described under a fancy name). Also look for moulding blemishes on the hull and holes along any seams which are potential areas of weakness. You will find none of the above weaknesses on the market leading Topper Topaz range, renowned as being the market leader, and for good reason.
- Unlike GRP boats with their gelcoats, Trilam has zero porosity so will not suffer from; water ingestion and in time the associated soft spots, and if damaged a glass hull will absorb water too if not properly repaired, therefore adding weight and slowing it down, making it uncompetitive in racing. Hence top sailors having to replace hulls at a frightening rate and cost, to remain competitive.
- Because of this, a used Topaz hull will be as fast as a new one a great many years down the line, making the resale value that much greater than GRP, plus due to it's far greater strength it won’t have all those telltale signs of patch up repairs of years gone by.
- In the very unlikely event of a repair being needed, a small area can be DIY repaired with a soldering iron or hot knife in 10 min's, larger areas by any automotive plastic welder, usually at less than $50. As this will be so rare an occurrence Oceanz1 will supply the correct plastic if not available, free of charge (after viewing photo).
- Yacht Clubs literally save many thousands and in some cases five figure sums in maintenance costs per season over GRP, by using Topaz Trilam boats.
- One design boats: With fiberglass, one new boat may be considerably heavier than the next from the same source, depending on quantity on resin used. This cannot happen with a Topaz as the process is computer controlled for consistency.
- The number one issue facing sailing clubs in New Zealand is how to attract new members. Oceanz 1 is offering a faster more exciting introduction to sailboats for everyone. There are lots of sports that we have to compete with such as snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing etc. All of today's popular sports are fast moving, exciting and competitive. In the future Oceanz 1 hope to donate an Oceanz 1 Trophy to an inter-club racing scheme, based on handicap which will be open to all.
- The New Zealand sailing scene has the advantage of being able to look at other countries and choose the best ways to promote the sport to new and old members alike. With the revolutionary Topaz range we hope to get more children and adults onto the water every week either sailing in races or for recreation.
