A new, ecologically friendly alternative to conventional structural panels is now available from Thermo Boat.
MultiPanel , an innovator in producing strong, lightweight, waterproof polyurethane panels, chose the British Columbia-based distributor to introduce MultiPanel to North American boat builders.
"MultiPanel is ideal for the marine market," said Thermo Boat president Hugh Carroll. "The advantages over traditional materials are phenomenal." The high-density panels range from 8-30mm thicknesses for 4' x 8' sheets. An 8mm panel weighs just under 11-1/2lbs.
"We are satisfied with its ideal ability to fit original curved surfaces such as bulkheads. Builders could also reduce a boat's overall weight by hundreds of pounds with MultiPanel," Hugh Carroll said.
Australia's Fusion Catamarans uses MultiPanel for internal furniture kits on their Fusion 40 series and realizes a 660lb. weight reduction over conventional materials.
MultiPanel possesses good thermal insulation and even some acoustic qualities. It is treated with an ideal non-corrosive fire retardant that, when exposed to an ignition source, starves the fire of oxygen.
Non-toxic, the panels contain no greenhouse gases or VOCs and are completely recyclable by granulating and returning them to insulation foam.
An important feature of MultiPanel is the ability to be heated to form permanent curvature to preserve a boat's attractive lines.
The MultiPanel is ideal for wall and ceiling linings, cabinets, bench tops, refrigerators, beds, galleys, outdoor tables and as a waterproof substrate for flooring and decks.
Highly versatile, MultiPanel can be coated with a wide range of finishes such as acrylic paints, two pack paints, laminates, timber veneers, tile, marble and various metal finishes. MultiPanel can also be reinforced with fiberglass for added strength. Customized pre-cut packing kits are offered to for significant cost- and labour-savings.
