Hunter
Marine's ACP®
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.
|
