Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) has been used successfully for decades in marine applications such as radomes and mass structures, superyachts, workboats and recreational boats. More recently, FRP has been used in lesser-known applications such as bearings, propellers, commercial hatch covers, exhausts and topsides. It revolutionized the ability to design and manufacture large composite structures in multiple sectors. Boats are manufactured in the UK through a variety of processes, including hand-laid GRP, resin infusion, thermoplastics and high-performance carbon fiber prepregs for racing boats.
The key benefits of GRP for marine applications：
- Environmental resistance, including freedom from rot, corrosion, etc.
- Ability to mold seamless, complex-shaped structures.
- Ability to adjust strength to suit loading conditions.
- Excellent strength-to-weight properties - FRP marine structures are typically half the weight of equivalent steel structures.
- Low maintenance and easy to repair.
- Outstanding durability.
Rowing boats use composite materials more extensively than any other marine structure. Due to special requirements, the materials used are not typical marine construction materials. Minimum weight and maximum stiffness are essential in their design so that they can sail at maximum speed and resist the effects of waves and other elements in the marine environment. The use of FRP helps improve performance and minimizes the risk of navigational defects and failures in different international sailing conditions.
