DN Tech Talk | 04 vacuum bagging tips

The next DNTT04 is out! This time few tips and ideas for those of you, who would like to start or master vacuum bagging technology. 

All my planks since very beginning are made in vacuum infusion which is a level up process compared to vacuum bagging. Highest quality and consistent results are possible thanks to controlled process. 

However vacuum bagging is the best method to modify your plank. Vacuum helps to press wet layers of reinforcement and evacuate excess resin from your laminate if you try to stiffen the plank. This is a must know method if you think about modifying your plank bend characteristic.

The plank

100 clips compilation about essential moments in making DN runner plank shot over a busy week. Feels almost unreal.

Runner plank plays a key role in developing top speed of an ice boat.

Mastering plank build up

Building runner planks started for me 10 years ago. This year I will complete plank no. 57. A lot of experience gained over last decade. Some fails and some designs that never saw the ice –  awaiting for longer winter allowing time to test. 

Runner plank vacuum bagging

Today afternoon I challenged myself with simultaneous vacuum bagging of 5 planks.  I use bagging for stiffening planks. In this year’s batch two planks are stiffened for junior sailors, one for myself and the other two for friends who gained a little during lock down 😉 My feeling is that with next lock down there may be more requests for vacuum bagging 😉