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Boyard Croisiere Professional Boatbuilders

Schionning Designs Boyard Croisiere Boatbuilder La Rochelle France
Schionning Designs Boyard Croisiere Boatbuilder La Rochelle France

Boyard Croisiere are a charter business that have now started building our catamarans. They began their build program with the Arrow 1500 Day Charter to put into their fleet. They’re ideally located in quaint La Rochelle, France. They are now set up to build for clients. Boyard Croisiere is an Official Agent of Schionning Designs.

languages spoken: french | spanish | english

portfolio | located : la Rochelle, france

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Recommended Equipment

Catamaran Kit Materials. What do I receive? Schionning Designs supply a list of the Kit Materials you will receive to start the process.

Recommended Equipment

Quality suppliers & manufacturers

The Schionning team have a lot of contact with equipment suppliers and manufacturers, and hear feedback on certain brands or systems from our many customers. There are many Schionnings cruising the world and testing products longevity and the customer service offered by the manufacturer.

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Kit Materials Contents

Catamaran Kit Materials. What do I receive? Schionning Designs supply a list of the Kit Materials you will receive to start the process.

kit materials' Contents

So if you order a Schionning kit, what exactly is going to arrive? See an overview of the materials you will receive, and what each is used for during the build process. Fibreglass cloth or tapes? Microspheres, Microballoons or Microfibers? Take a closer look and you can answer these questions.

Our Schionning Kits are a no nonsense, common-sense approach to building a boat. We offer great service, fast delivery and access to anything you could need for your boat straight from the supplier to your door. Our construction plans and kits are sold with 100% professional boatbuilder support via phone and email, any time you're unsure or just need a second opinion, we're here.

Our kits contain all of your basic materials to build your boat to a faired shell stage, ready for painting and fit-out. We have sail-away costing estimates available for all of our standard designs, and this will give you an accurate idea of the overall cost of your project. This costing varies depending on your level of finish, as you can imagine different options vary greatly in price.

Below is a quick glance at what your Schionning Kit will include and what each item is primarily used for, we hope this is helpful and if you should require more detailed information please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

What do I actually receive?

Superlight Balsa - End-Grain Balsa - Foam - Paper Honeycomb - Western Red Cedar - SDI - End-Grain Balsa - 150kg per cubic metre Paper Honeycomb - 50kg per cubic metre Superlight Balsa - 94kg per cubic metre Western Red Cedar - 360-380kg per cubic metre - Foam

DUFLEX PRE-LAMINATED PANELS

DuFlex pre-laminated panels are the main and most important material used in our kits, predominantly in the flat panel designs, however they are used in Strip-planked designs also, though to a lesser extent. These panels are 2400mm x 1200mm and are CNC routed to speed up build time on our Wildernes X Series, as well as some of our power designs. For internal furniture, a paper honeycomb core is used instead of the end-grain balsa wood core that is used for main structural areas. The use of this is purely to save weight in the shell and therefore produce a faster, more responsive catamaran.

Schionning Catamaran Kit Materials contain Kinetix Laminating Resin & Hardener Kinetix Laminating resin is used on all of our designs and is used for laminating the strip-planked areas, so round-bilge designs will use it more often whereas our flat panel designs not as much.

KINETIX LAMINATING RESIN & HARDENER

Kinetix Laminating resin is used on all of our designs and is used for laminating the strip-planked areas, so round-bilge designs will use it more often whereas our flat panel designs not as much.
 
The reason we use Kinetix is that it has a much higher heat resistance than West System epoxies and for larger surface areas that will be in direct sunlight it is the safest solution.
 
The Kinetix resins are mixed by weight/volume at a mixing ratio of 4:1.
Resin Choices for Catamaran Kit Building by Schionning Designs SDI - We choose ATL Composite's resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money. West System Epoxy Resins

WEST SYSTEM EPOXY RESINS

The West System range is the most widely used composite epoxy system in Australia and the World when it comes to marine applications. Trusted and recommended across the globe, these products are used for most of the gluing applications involved in your build. Pumps are sold for mixing the resin and hardeners, at a ratio of 5:1. The pumps ensure that 1:1 pump ratio will equate to exactly 5:1 resin to hardener. West System hardeners come in a variety of drying speeds from Fast to Slow and everything in between. This is important when certain jobs require more or less drying time, or when working in different environments and temperatures. The West System fillers are Microlight, Microfibres and Microspheres and these are used for either fairing, gluing, filling or coving in corners etc. These powders are mixed with the resin and hardener to form a putty of desired viscosity.
Fibreglass Tapes (Double Bias) These double bias fibreglass tape rolls are used for the joining of panels in our flat panel designs, or in round-bilge designs to a lesser extent. Anywhere that DuFlex panels need to be joined, tapes will be used. The smaller rolls come in different widths for ease of use and to save time on cutting larger rolls of cloth.

FIBREGLASS TAPES (DOUBLE BIAS)

These double bias fibreglass tape rolls are used for the joining of panels in our flat panel designs, or in round-bilge designs to a lesser extent.
 
Anywhere that DuFlex panels need to be joined, tapes will be used.
 
The smaller rolls come in different widths for ease of use and to save time on cutting larger rolls of cloth.
 
Schionning Designs Catamaran Kit Materials Carbon Fibre Cloth Carbon fibre is used on a number of our designs and can be incorporated into any design to save on weight and increase the performance capabilities. Carbon comes in unidrectional and double bias, however is much more expensive than standard fibreglass (as one might expect). It is very similar to work with, however the resin choice may change when using carbon.

CARBON FIBRE CLOTH

Carbon fibre is used on a number of our Schionning Catamaran Designs and can be incorporated into any design to save on weight and increase the performance capabilities.
 
Carbon comes in unidrectional and double bias, however is much more expensive than standard fibreglass (as one might expect). It is very similar to work with, however the resin choice may change when using carbon.
 
Schionning Designs Catamaran Design Kit Materials Fibreglass Cloth Fibreglass cloth is the strength and stiffness that holds your boat together, this is used in most areas for strength and is used in a variety of techniques depending on the area or job that is being performed. Fibreglass is one of the most widely used materials for low weight and high strength properties.

FIBREGLASS CLOTH

Fibreglass cloth is the strength and stiffness that holds your boat together, this is used in most areas for strength and is used in a variety of techniques depending on the area or job that is being performed.
 
Fibreglass is one of the most widely used materials for low weight and high strength properties.
 
 
 
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The Kit Process

Catamaran Kit Materials. What do I receive? Schionning Designs supply a list of the Kit Materials you will receive to start the process.

The Kit Process

Building your own boat can be a daunting prospect, however to demonstrate each step in the kit assembly process, we've created this guide for you to study. As you can see our kits are the ultimate in building efficiency and have been streamlined over 30+ years to ensure that you're on the water faster and with less effort.

How does it all go together?

STEP 1

The first step to building your dream catamaran begins with a strongback – this is a square frame used to position the temporary frames that will be used to form the hull shape. This frame will be set up and must be square and accurate, a string or laser level can be used to achieve this.

STEP 2

Once you have released the pre-cut frame panels, they are erected along the strongback in sequence. The hull panels will be laid over this framework to form our hull shape.

STEP 3

Here we can see the hull has now been taped and glassed, ready for turning soon. Once this has been completed the hull will need to be rolled over and the process repeated to produce the second hull. The use of flat panel construction techniques and the time-saving element of pre-cut kits really becomes noticeable. Having this head start is invaluable and could save almost 1000 hours on your build. (Wilderness 1100 design shown.)

STEP 4

The fairing is now complete, this is done using a filler compound mixed with our West System epoxy resin and applied to the surface of the hull. This process is to ensure that when painted the boat will have a smooth and glossy appearance, and as a general rule the more painstaking the paint-job and fit-out, the higher your resale value.

STEP 5

Now comes the turning of the hull! There are many different ways to do this, some involve cranes or complex equipment, however the smaller designs can simply be turned with a few extra pairs of hands, or a block/pulley set-up. Once both hulls are turned the tops of the bulkheads will be used to join the two hulls, and then the bridgedeck component will be installed underneath.

STEP 6

The hull now turned, the second must be positioned and aligned before the large bulkhead panels are used to fix these together. Once this is complete, she will start to look like a catamaran!

STEP 7

The forebeam is now installed along with the striker attachment fitting, as shown above. The bridgedeck is installed shortly after and taped onto the bulkheads with webs installed, this now completes what is a quite stiff and strong platform to work on.

STEP 8

Now that the bridgedeck is in place, the forward webs and dash will be fitted. At this stage, all furniture and internal work begins, with the main panels left off for ease of access when working.

STEP 9

The internal furniture is now installed, if you chose Kit Option 2, this furniture will be pre-cut to your previously decided upon layout. If you chose to receive blank panels, this is the period in which your internal living areas are to be built. This construction uses paper-honeycomb Duflex panels, as these are superior in weight when used non-structurally. Cabin soles, engines and daggerboard cases are also now installed.

STEP 10

The transoms and cockpit area are now completed, along with the targa bar, if you’ve chosen this option.

STEP 11

The next step is our hull-to-deck joins, side decks and close the shell. As you can see strip planking methods are used here to ensure a pleasing design to the eye. This technique is not difficult and the planks are once again glassed in place to ensure again stiffness and strength.

STEP 12

The cabin roof will have been built seperately from the boat, and dropped onto the bulkheads when needed. The cabin sides are then installed and we have a cabin. The next step is to carefully mark our window lines and get cutting.

STEP 13

Cutting of hatches, portlights and your saloon windows is now done, edges must be cored. Interior and exterior painting can now be completed after fairing.

STEP 14

Fairing is now completed and your final finish needs to be achieved. How extravagant you want to get with paint choices and decals is up to the owner and the project budget.

STEP 15

Fairing is finished up and the shell is ready for painting. This is as far as the Schionning kit will get you – from this point on the finishing touches, rig and deck hardware, equipment and appliances must be installed along with finishes such as carpet, roof linings etc. We can supply you with a rough sail away estimate based on other finished projects of a similar size when enquiring about a design, so don’t hesitate to email us if you’d like to investigate further, the build process can take a while to get your head around and we certainly understand that.

STEP 16

Once installation of major systems and finish has been completed the boat can be launched. Again this is something that should be planned beforehand however our designs can safely be loaded onto a flatbed semi-trailer sitting solely on their bridgedeck without any problems. So as long as you’re within a reasonable distance, a simple truck hire should be sufficient for your launch.

STEP 17

Once the mast is stepped, its time to go sailing!

THE LAUNCH

Building your own boat is a rewarding experience and you’ve built a valuable asset on which you can make a considerable profit. If you have any questions regarding build options or designs, please contact us by email, or via the contact page.
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Material Choices

Superlight Balsa - End-Grain Balsa - Foam - Paper Honeycomb - Western Red Cedar - SDI - End-Grain Balsa - 150kg per cubic metre Paper Honeycomb - 50kg per cubic metre Superlight Balsa - 94kg per cubic metre Western Red Cedar - 360-380kg per cubic metre - Foam

schionning Material Choices

solutions that work best for catamarans & why?

Our designs are based on cored composite construction techniques using West System epoxy resin and knitted fabrics. But given the range of today's composite technologies, which solution works best for catamarans and why? Written by Jeff Schionning

SELECTING THE CORRECT MATERIALS

Resin Choices for Catamaran Kit Building by Schionning Designs SDI - We choose ATL Composite's resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money.We use West System epoxys for their high strength and adhesive values.

It also fully protects the boat against water absorption and it can not develop the dreaded Osmosis.

We choose ATL Composite’s resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money.

Having worked closely with the ATL Composites team and their products for many years, we know we can stand by their material solutions, and rely on great service should something unexpected happen.

Colan brand cloths for their quality and low resin absorption - Schionning Designs SDI - We prefer Colan brand cloths for their quality and low resin absorption, custom made for Schionning Marine at six (6) stitches per square inch for easy wet-out and rounding corners.We prefer Colan brand cloths for their quality and low resin absorption, custom made for Schionning Marine at six (6) stitches per square inch for easy wet-out and rounding corners.

This may not seem important but when working with a material for an extended period of time, the small things make all the difference.

Superlight Balsa - End-Grain Balsa - Foam - Paper Honeycomb - Western Red Cedar - SDI - End-Grain Balsa - 150kg per cubic metre Paper Honeycomb - 50kg per cubic metre Superlight Balsa - 94kg per cubic metre Western Red Cedar - 360-380kg per cubic metre - FoamThe core choice is usually quite confusing. Cores have different capabilities and properties, and their benefits I feel are utilized fully in our catamaran designs. A quick look at their abilities:

 

  • End-Grain Balsa – 150kg per cubic metre
  • Superlight Balsa – 94kg per cubic metre
  • Western Red Cedar – 360-380kg per cubic metre
  • Foam – 80kg per cubic metre

Balsa has very good values and we can produce a shell using a very light laminate. It will be very stiff and very resilient to fatigue.

It has exceptional qualities including very high compression strength, extremely good sheer capabilities and fantastic sheer stiffness.

Compressive strength is the resistance to collapsing when pressure is applied perpendicular to the surface as when pushing directly onto the material with the point of your finger. Balsa is far stronger than Foam (80kg/cubic metre) in compression.

Balsa is also very strong in shear. This is when the core sample is held flat between your hands, one hand slid one way and the other slid the opposite way, when the core tears through the middle the core has failed in sheer. The amount of stretch you feel before the core shears is shear stiffness. To compensate for sheer weakness the core is made thicker. So 13mm Balsa may be equal in sheer to 19mm Foam.

(80 to 200 kg/m³)

There are many boats sailing that are built from foam as it’s mechanical properties are good for boat building.

  1. Initially one would expect this cat shell to be lighter as it is ½ the weight of Balsa. We do have to compensate for its weaknesses and will then add to the reinforcement the reinforcement on the outside to spread that compression load over more core and need a triaxial type weave to compensate for the veneer content that runs fore and aft on the Durakore.
  2. Secondly, we need to increase the Core thickness to compensate for the shear value, usually neutralizing the weight advantage.
  3. We only use structural foam core that is closed-cell and cross-linked.

The end result using foam core amounts to a very similar total boat weight. Professional builders can achieve a good result but usually use vacuum bagging and very good molds to achieve this.

Secondary Issues

Balsa can absorb water. It needs extreme neglect to rot (very unusual). Water soaks along the end grain quickly. It travels very slowly across the grain. We use balsa under the waterline especially because of it’s high compression strength for beaching etc. any core type must be sealed. Damage to all cores results in the same sort of repair. Notice a damp spot remaining when drying out to anti-foul… simply grind back the surface glass exposing the core, dry it out and re-glass – it’s that easy.

Timber cores are cheaper than Foam in most cases.

A light, high tech cat returns a far better (often 2 – 3 times) re-sale than lower tech materials. Often saving $10,000 on materials initially, loses $200,000 on re-sale – a serious reality.

Our boats can be built using Balsa, Foam or Western Red Cedar. Combine strength, stiffness, lightness and cost, with ease of use – it just makes good sense!

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‘DUET’ | Arrow 1360

'DUET' Arrow 1360 Catamaran Design by Schionning Designs 1

'DUET' | Arrow 1360 Catamaran

Geo Uhrich, owner of 'DUET' the first Arrow 1360 to be launched, speaks about his experiences cruising in Spain and commends the boat's sailing ability.

'DUET' Arrow 1360 Catamaran Design by Schionning Designs 1

Arrow 1360 DUET Built in South Africa - SDI 43Owner Geo Uhrich speaks about DUET’s impressive performance and his experiences while cruising in Spain. 

“It was fun to show a 50’ production cat how we can sail to windward in 8 knots of breeze and maintain over 8 knots of boat speed! They actually motored right up to our stern and had a good look to see what the heck we were doing that could beat them so soundly! Great fun! The best thing about DUET so far is how well she sails. We love the fact that we can sail in as low as 6 knots of true wind. When the wind even gets lower, we add a little thrust from the electric engine (still quiet) and get our apparent wind up enough to maintain our speed.” 

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‘DIVISION II’ | Cosmos 1160

'DIVISION II' | Cosmos 1160 Dan and Amy Kellaghan write about their experiences sailing through the South Pacific aboard their Cosmos 1160 design 'DIVISION II'. by Schionning Designs

'D'ESTREE BAY' | Cosmos 1320

Owner David Harris writes about his experience aboard his Cosmos 1320 'D'ESTREE BAY'.

'DIVISION II' | Cosmos 1160 Dan and Amy Kellaghan write about their experiences sailing through the South Pacific aboard their Cosmos 1160 design 'DIVISION II'. by Schionning Designs

'DIVISION II' | Cosmos 1160 Dan and Amy Kellaghan write about their experiences sailing through the South Pacific aboard their Cosmos 1160 design 'DIVISION II'. by Schionning Designs“We have just returned to New Zealand after spending 5 months away in Tonga and Fiji and thought I would let you know some things that have happened to us and our Cosmos 1160 called Division II. I knew that building a time proven design would have its advantages and I feel that the boat has outdone herself in performance and comfort. When we left Whangarei back in mid June for our first ever trip offshore we were unsure just how we would go. I have to say that the boat looked after us and we had no worries. We had one day on passage where it blew up to 50 knots with a constant 43/45 knots. With only the tiny storm jib up we surfed along quite happily and comfortably at 12 or so knots one hand steering with no worries. The very buoyant bows kept the decks almost dry. The rest of the passage was very uneventful and it was almost a shame to make land fall.

'DIVISION II' | Cosmos 1160 Dan and Amy Kellaghan write about their experiences sailing through the South Pacific aboard their Cosmos 1160 design 'DIVISION II'. by Schionning DesignsDuring our three month stay in Tonga our shallow draft allowed us several times to go and anchor closer to the beach or tucked closer in for shelter as others were more exposed to the elements. We had countless comments on the design and finish that we achieved during the build. During Regatta Vava’u we won the multi‐hull division beating the St Francis 50 quite easily due to our pointing ability and good speed, in fact passing and out pointing most of the half boats. What a great feeling!

On our passage return from Fiji to New Zealand we were almost close hauled and as we have no auto‐pilot the boat just steered herself over the very confused swell with ease with third reef and 2/3 genoa in 25/30 knots of wind sailing at around 9 knots. We could have gone faster but the comfort level was good so why get uncomfortable for the sake of another knot of speed.

We are extremely happy with all the blood sweat and tears that were shed during the build of Division II. It has been well worth it and the life aboard for our family has been fantastic. I am now back working to get ourselves ready for our trip away next year.”

Regards Dan and Amy Kellahan.

www.divisionii.blogspot.com

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‘D’ESTREE BAY’ Cosmos 1320 Catamaran

The owner of D'Estree Bay, a Cosmos 1320 Catamaran Design by Schionning Designs, writes about his experiences sailing aboard the boat during a delivery from Australia to Asia.

'D'ESTREE BAY' | Cosmos 1320

Owner David Harris writes about his experience aboard his Cosmos 1320 'D'ESTREE BAY'.

The owner of D'Estree Bay, a Cosmos 1320 Catamaran Design by Schionning Designs, writes about his experiences sailing aboard the boat during a delivery from Australia to Asia.

D'Estree Bay, a Cosmos 1320 Catamaran Design by Schionning Designs 1“We left ‘D’Estree Bay’ in Broome last week and are now back in Hong Kong. A friend of ours is taking her to Borneo for us where we will pick her up again to continue the trip to Hong Kong in a few weeks. We sailed her to Perth from Adelaide in late February via Esperance and Albany and left her at the Freemantle Sailing Club for a month then, in April, took just under 3 weeks to sail her to Broome via the Abrolhos, Shark Bay, Ningaloo and the Montebellos. It’s the best sailing we have ever had. The boat goes like a rocket and is comfortable and easy to sail. She is everything we hoped she would be. Our top speed has been 24 knots but there have been plenty of days loafing along at 12 – 15 knots. In flat water we can get her to do 10.5 knots upwind – faster than our Volvo 60 which winds up at about 9.5 knots on the wind.

D'Estree Bay, a Cosmos 1320 Catamaran Design by Schionning Designs 1We have sailed with two couples and there is a tonne of room and very easy watches for the overnight legs compared to our mono hull days. We are very fussy about weight and getting the sail off her promptly. The big flat head mainsail gives her overdrive! Being a light ship makes her a joy. Thanks so much for everything.

I look at the 18 metre G-Force and am dreaming of the next project!”

DAVID HARRIS

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‘ATTITUDE’ | G-Force 1500

ATTITUDE-G-Force-1500-Catamaran-Owner-Report-Schionning-Designs

'ATTITUDE' | G-Force 1500

Owner of G-Force 1500 'ATTITUDE' Alan Larkin comments on sailing and living aboard, including the ease of handling with just 2 people and her effortless performance.

ATTITUDE-G-Force-1500-Catamaran-Owner-Report-Schionning-Designs

G-Force1500 Attitude Sailing Catamaran Design by Schionning Designs

“We leave Cairns on Sat week, the 17th for the Louisiades, Attitude is sitting up in Cairns patiently waiting for us to catch up with work, and rejoin her next Monday. Testimony to how well she sails, just Michele & I sailed her up to Cairns from Brisbane, and yes, we covered the 100 odd nm in daylight, which is just fantastic when you’re doing a delivery with two people.

The numerous beautiful anchorages along the Qld coast were a pleasure to drop the pick each night, and watch the sun set after a great days sailing. Skitting along in 25 kts of wind, double reefed main & heady, we felt very comfortable in two metre swells doing 18 kts, just exhilarating, especially with just two on board!!

Accolade Image TemplateThe delivery proved Attitude everything we set out to achieve, with our wish list dovetailing nicely into your fantastic design.I believe Attitude gives you guys the opportunity to promote the G‐Force range as a true performance cruiser, probably the best there is, not just a bare bones racer. And as you know better than most, when it comes to making these purchases, the saying “happy wife, happy life”, certainly makes that decision easier.”

Alan Larkin

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‘JAG’ | Growler VTR950

Growler-VTR950-JAG-Power-Catamaran-By-Schionning-Designs

'JAG' | Growler VTR950

Owner and builder of 'JAG', Murray De Lacy, writes about the boat and how it has performed in his home waters of New Zealand.

Growler-VTR950-JAG-Power-Catamaran-By-Schionning-Designs

Growler VTR950 Power Catamaran - SDI - Schionning Designs International“Jag is tracking very well can take your hand off the helm at any speed for minutes on end and she says on course. Did this one day in slight seas and 20 knots of wind for seven minutes at 16 knots boat speed and her course altered by 7 degrees. I am very much enjoying ‘JAG’ she is awesome. I am cruising at 16 knots using 24.4 litres per hour for both motors.”

“We just sat out a NE blow with a max of 62 Knots wind speed. We were both very impressed with the way ‘JAG’ rode this out, I have done years of boating and ‘JAG’ would have to be the best I have been on in these conditions. Our friend was anchored beside us in the same bay in his 13.5 meter heavy displacement yacht, and he was sailing all over the bay. The outcome is his boat is on the market and one guess what he is looking at.”

“I have had fifteen boats of all kinds, and ‘JAG’ is on top of the list.”

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