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The Viking mantra "Building A Better Boat Every Day" is something everyone at the Viking Yacht Company embraces. This goal reaches deeply into every department, not just the production lines pumping out one of a kind, world class yachts. Every boat depends on every person to exceed industry standards.


David Jones, Manager of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic or in layman's terms, fiberglass), is a clear example of the commitment and dedication of the Viking culture. David is responsible for all things composite; resin, core materials, fiberglass and adhesives to name a few. He is a Naval Architect and Mechanical Engineer with a passion for composites, quality control and providing the best product.


Every batch of gel coat and resin that arrives at the New Gretna, New Jersey facility is tested in the FRP Quality Control Lab to ensure it meets manufacturer specifications. Typically a three foot by three foot board is sprayed with gel coat and examined for surface quality, color match and depth of gloss. Once completed, the gel coat is then scuffed and a separate drum of gel coat made specifically for patching is sprayed to make sure it blends properly.  


A sample from both drums is retained and stored in a refrigerated location for a minimum of two years. This sample may later be used for color matching but is also to make certain that the product is consistent time after time.
 
Prior to the infusing process of the below Viking 48 hull, the temperature of the infusion location in the FRP QC Lab was recreated. Since the plant was 77 degrees, lab temperature was brought to 77 degrees to test the resin in a real life environment to anticipate performance expectations. 

This helps to determine the flow and cure of the resin which results in better time management. Every Viking that is infused goes through this process. 



During the infusion process, a dedicated person retrieves a sample of resin every 200 pounds and records the time, temperature, catalyst level and gel time. This information is later permanently documented. By the way, this hull took three hours to infuse which included infusing the resin into the laminate, allowing it to cure and cool and then removing the vacuum bag off of the part.


This attention to detail and extensive quality control results in a consistently superior product. David believes that if we develop a high quality process and use the best materials we will repeatedly produce exceptional boats. "They only time I will change anything is if we can make it better," said David. 

Please click here for information on the Murray Helm Chair Voluntary Recall. 

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