Northstar RIBs completes full RTM-built yacht tender range

Northstar RIBs says it has finished the world’s first complete production lineup of yacht tenders built with its proprietary Resin Transfer Molding process. The Vega Lite family spans 2.9 meters to 4.2 meters and is now available through the company’s global dealer network.

Why it matters: - Northstar RIBs says the completion of the Vega Lite lineup makes it the first rigid inflatable boat maker to offer a full production range of yacht tenders built with proprietary Resin Transfer Molding technology. - The company says the process is designed to make tenders lighter, stronger, more dimensionally consistent and easier to launch, recover, transport and store. - The manufacturing approach also aims to cut waste, lower volatile organic compound emissions and improve production efficiency.

What happened: - Northstar RIBs completed the Vega Lite family with models from 2.9 meters to 4.2 meters. - The lineup now includes the Vega Lite 2.9, 3.2, 3.5, 3.8 and 4.2m. - The company says the milestone follows five years of development and refinement of its ONE-SHOT™ RTM manufacturing process. - The Vega Lite range is available through Northstar’s worldwide dealer network.

The details: - Northstar describes ONE-SHOT™ RTM as a proprietary variation of Resin Transfer Molding developed entirely in-house. - The process forms the complete rigid composite structure in a single closed-mold manufacturing cycle. - Northstar says conventional RIB construction usually requires multiple laminating, reinforcing, transom preparation and secondary bonding stages. - Northstar says ONE-SHOT™ RTM reduces traditional manufacturing stages from four to two. - Northstar says production time drops by about 50% and labor requirements by about 75%. - The company says the resulting rigid structure is fully bonded, 100% foam-filled, lighter, stronger and more dimensionally consistent than comparable multi-stage builds. - Northstar says the closed-mold process delivers repeatable laminate quality, tighter tolerances and more consistent cosmetics from boat to boat. - The company says the controlled resin infusion process minimizes excess resin waste and reduces VOC emissions tied to open-lamination methods. - Each Vega Lite tender combines ONE-SHOT™ RTM composite construction with CSM-Hypalon tubes, wood-free composite structures, ergonomic layouts, integrated storage solutions and hull designs built for a stable, dry and efficient ride.

Between the lines: - Northstar is positioning advanced composite manufacturing as both a performance story and a production story. - The company is also signaling that the Vega Lite launch supports broader expansion, including more production capacity and a stronger dealer network. - The claim that Northstar is first to apply RTM across an entire production family of yacht tenders is the central competitive angle of the release.

What's next: - Northstar says it will keep expanding production capabilities. - The company says it will continue strengthening its global dealer network. - The Vega Lite range is set to be distributed through Northstar’s worldwide dealer network as the company pushes the RTM-built lineup into the market.

The bottom line: - Northstar has turned a five-year manufacturing project into a full tender lineup and is betting that RTM-built construction can differentiate its boats on weight, consistency and efficiency.