 ACP
description
ACP is the most modern production boat building method being used
today. It starts on the outside with a tough outer shell that is both
weather and scratch resistant. The outer layer is then backed up with
a high density urethane foam to add stiffness and impact resistance.
The entire structure is strengthened by a layer of knitted biaxial
fiberglass bonded inside the foam.
Finish
The outer layer of ACP is a BASF plastic called LURAN-S. This plastic
is specially formulated to provide a beautiful glossy finish that
is very easy to maintain. Dirt and grime is easily removed without
the use of harsh chemicals. The finish will never develop the crazing
associated with gel-coat and since the color goes so deep into the
outer layer, scratches can be sanded out and buffed back to nearly
new finish. This makes most minor damage easy to repair without
using special techniques, resins, or paints. Since you can do this
quickly and easily yourself, you’ll save money. But since
the ACP structure is so much stronger than fiberglass, you’re
much less likely to have to repair it to begin with.
Impact resistant
The outer plastic surface of the structure works in combination
with urethane foam backing to provide nearly 5 times the impact
resistance of traditional fiberglass. Instead of thin brittle coating
on the outside, the ABS backed Luran-S plastic is both thick and
flexible. When an ACP boat is struck by an impact, the outer skin
will flex slightly to absorb the energy. Flexing is much better
than breaking. Next, the urethane foam backing supports the skin
and diffuses the impact energy through a large area. Finally, the
fiberglass backing holds the structure intact, thus preventing significant
damage. Where a fiberglass boat might have a large crack or hole,
an ACP boat will suffer no more than a surface scratch.
Positive Flotation
Aside from it’s beautiful and durable finish, ACP construction
provides yet another benefit. Safety. The foam backing that provides
the structural rigidity, also makes the boat unsinkable. In the
unlikely event an ACP boat is completely filled with water, it will
still stay afloat. The material itself provides the positive flotation,
eliminating the need for airbags or foam blocks inside the hull.
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