Before fiberglass (FV) was introduced into the nautical industry, the construction of a vessel began with the construction of the keel and the caves where, after this phase, the wooden plates or steel plates that formed the hull were applied.

Fiberglass changed the way pleasure boats were built since the mid-1950s (Mitchell, Steve 1999)

The process of building Fiberglass Recreational Vessels begins with the construction of a Mold (negative of the Vessel’s geometry). The construction of the Mold begins after the completion of the design phase, and then a prototype of the vessel with full-scale dimensions is manufactured, which can be obtained by manual manufacturing or using a CNC machine, this being the process selected for manufacturing RIAMAR vessel molds.

Once the Manufacturing of the Mold or Molds is completed, the Vessel Manufacturing Process begins, which consists in depositing several layers of materials with different characteristics and mechanical properties into the Mold.

The first layer deposited in the Mold consists in a special Resin, the “GEL COAT” which serves to create a resistant, waterproof outer layer of the Vessel, with protection from Ultra-Violet (UV) rays and with a polished finish.

Subsequently, successive layers of fiberglass and resin blanket (Roving and Fiberglass Fabric with Isophthalic Polyester Resin, chemical, thermal and mechanical properties) are added, which constitute the structural part of the hull and deck surface.

Completing the rolling and curing process, the demoulding process follows. In this procedure, the hull or deck is separated from the respective mold.

To prevent the component from sticking to the mold, a Mold Release Wax is used, applied in several layers before applying the Gel Coat.

There has also been a special focus on gelcoat, which in recent years has been the main cause of osmosis and/or the rapid aging of surfaces in contact with water. That is why it was decided to use what is now considered the best polyester gelcoat. Used in the naval industry for large vessels in the 15 to 30 meter range and racing boats, neopentyl gelcoat guarantees maximum resistance to UV rays, high gloss and no yellowing for many years. The perfectly water-tight hull and deck guarantee better resistance to osmosis and very high chemical resistance. Neopentyl gelcoat is also used in the construction of racing car bodies and accessories.