Technics

Safety, reliability and long life - high priority topics with respect to materials and technical layout of the TOUCHWATER.

Therefore only materials, recommended and approved for naval use, are applied.

Hull structure, appendages and rudder equipment are made of aluminium alloys No. 5083 and No. 6060.

Fasteners are of stainless steel No. 1.4301, 1.4401, 1.4571 and similar materials (AISI 304, AISI 316, AISI 316Ti, A2, A4 etc.). Essential parts are exclusively of highly corrosion resistant alloys as A4.

Although aluminium is very corrosion resistant by self-passivation, most of the aluminium parts are painted or anodized.

To find out about long-term corrosion behaviour, especially when used in sea water, surfaces of some aluminium parts experimentally remained untreated (e.g. the foot plate of the jibsheet cleat unit). Even so, besides the mechanical signs of use, after some years the surface shows just very little indication of corrosion.

To prevent galvanic corrosion of the aluminium, contact faces of aluminium and ferrous material are electrically isolated.

With standard boltings additional polyamide insulating plates are used. In case stainless steel devices (e.g. rudder fittings) are mounted on aluminium, isolating plastic elements are placed in between respectively. Stainless steel bolts directly screwed in aluminium threads, additionally are protected by corrosion inhibitor.

High rig loads are led to the hulls by oversize joints.

Geometry is for a smooth distribution of forces. And after a few years use just the painting is scratched.

The TOUCHWATER hydrofoils are designed to fulfill diverse requirements in terms of handling, maintenance and safety.

All parts of the foil system are made of aluminium. Ductility of the material gives strength and robustness. And corrosion resistance makes the system maintenance-free. The system works automatically. No additional handling is needed for foiling. The foil system is not manually controlled. Therefore it is designed for reliable and safe operation especially in stronger winds and with higher speed. Applying the leading foil / main foil system, the catamaran is lifted moderately and safely. There is no risk to crash from an uncontrolled over-foiling level. The system doesn't use loose parts. By this it is robust and maintenance-free. The draught of the boat and fins is very small. The hydrofoils are attached to the fins in small depth and, by this, are widely protected against ground touching. No foil is needed at the rudder, which is designed with a safe mechanism, passively swinging up in case of ground touching. The foils are located in small water depth. They are realized easily, and for persons in the water there is a reduced risk of getting injured. The risk is also lowered by the shape of the leading foils at the hull nose.