en.Wedoany.com Reported - Northstar RIBs, a rigid inflatable boat manufacturer based in Izmir, Turkey, has announced that all models in its Vega Lite series are now manufactured using the One-Shot Resin Transfer Molding (One-Shot RTM) process, a technology the company claims is a world first in yacht tender production.
This development completes the Vega Lite series lineup, expanding it from 2.9 meters to 4.2 meters, and marks the culmination of Northstar's five-year development and refinement of its One-Shot RTM manufacturing method. The company previously used RTM technology for specific components in other RIB models, but the Vega Lite series is the first where the entire rigid structure of all models is manufactured using this technique.
Northstar explains that traditional RIB manufacturing involves multiple stages of lamination, reinforcement, transom preparation, and secondary bonding. Through the One-Shot RTM variant process, the company can produce a complete rigid composite structure within a single closed-mold manufacturing cycle. The company also states that this process reduces traditional manufacturing stages from five to two, cutting production time by approximately 50% and halving labor requirements. The resulting rigid structure is said to be fully bonded and 100% foam-filled, making it lighter, stronger, and more dimensionally consistent than similar structures produced using traditional multi-stage manufacturing methods.
"Our One-Shot RTM method allows us to deliver lighter, stronger, and more consistent yacht tenders while improving production efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of the manufacturing process."
Beyond structural advantages, closed-mold manufacturing aims to provide highly repeatable lamination quality, tighter dimensional tolerances, and improved cosmetic consistency between boats. The controlled resin infusion process is also said to minimize excess resin waste while reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions associated with traditional open-mold lamination methods, balancing manufacturing efficiency with environmental responsibility.
The now-completed Vega Lite series includes five models: 2.9m, 3.2m, 3.5m, 3.8m, and 4.2m, forming a range of lightweight premium tenders built using the same advanced manufacturing technology. The series is developed for yacht owners and operators seeking lightweight performance, durability, high-end build quality, safety, and reliable everyday usability. For owners, the benefits are considered to extend beyond manufacturing, offering lighter tenders that are easier to launch, recover, transport, and store, while maintaining excellent structural stiffness, long-term durability, and a high-end fit and finish.
Each Vega Lite tender combines the One-Shot RTM composite structure with CSM-Hypalon tubes, a wood-free composite construction, ergonomic layout, integrated storage solutions, and hull design, aimed at providing stable, dry, and efficient performance under various operating conditions. Due to their lighter weight, Northstar Vega Lite tenders are said to achieve excellent performance with lower horsepower than comparable boats. Smaller outboard engines typically further reduce overall weight, cost, and operating expenses.
"Completing the Vega Lite series marks the pinnacle of five years of engineering and product development," said Cengiz Arsay, President of Northstar RIBs. "Our goal was to ensure that advanced composite engineering benefits not only the factory floor but also every customer who owns and operates our boats."
