Single Shot Infusion Enhances Catamaran Hull Construction at Robertson & Caine
South African boatbuilder Robertson and Caine (R&C) has introduced a new hull-building method: single shot infusion. This advanced process infuses the entire hull in one resin application, replacing the traditional three-step method. It bonds all structural components in a single step, ensuring cleaner resin distribution across the entire mould.
Stronger, lighter, and more durable
The result is a stronger, lighter, and more durable hull without the need for secondary bonding. This technique also eliminates structural repairs along join lines, increasing overall hull integrity and performance. R&C has long built hulls to the highest structural standards through steady process refinement. Leopard Catamarans and R&C jointly developed this improved infusion methodology through years of technical collaboration. Their commitment to innovation continues with fresh investment in manufacturing upgrades and quality control.
Single shot infusion is now used in newer models, including the Leopard 46 (L46). To prevent delamination, R&C has also introduced acoustic leak detection for vacuum integrity verification. This leak detection technology is applied before each infusion to ensure process success.
Additional improvements
Additional improvements include a second phenolic hull inspection 30 days after the first check. This second inspection helps identify delayed issues missed during initial post-demoulding assessments. R&C is also testing a thicker 600 CSM print blocker on all models. This layer enhances hull appearance and reduces the need for future cosmetic rework.
Since early 2025, R&C has updated all mould shop quality documentation. New process documents reinforce key quality control points and introduce additional inspection focus areas. R&C has redesigned the infusion resin feed pipe layout to reduce dry spots and voids. These updates improve consistency, reduce waste, and strengthen structural uniformity across all hulls.
Environmental sustainability
Environmental sustainability is also guiding R&C’s next phase of innovation. Their Research and Development team is creating a slower-curing resin for use in warmer temperatures.
This resin helps control the infusion process during hot Southern Hemisphere summers. Implementation of the new resin is expected by late 2025. R&C is also exploring localised hull temperature control instead of full factory climate control. This change aims to reduce energy consumption and improve environmental efficiency during infusion. Resin behaviour is sensitive to temperature, making hull-specific regulation more precise and sustainable.
Leopard Catamarans are designed by Simonis Voogd and built exclusively by Robertson and Caine. With over 3,000 yachts delivered, they are known for performance, innovation, and global sailing capability. Leopard offers both power and sail catamarans for private and charter ownership worldwide.
