The SKIM layup options
Skim offers four different layups: Traditional, Extra Rigid, Rockhopper and Carbon Light. We will introduce you to the different layups in detail. Not every layup is available for every kayak model. Here is an overview.
Traditional Layup / TR
Available for all models
Extra Rigid Layup / XR
Available for Artisan 5G, Viking Legenda, Differ
Rockhopper Layup / RH
Available for Beaufort, Braveheart
Carbon Light Layup / CL
Available for all models
Traditional Layup / TR
Available for: All models Skim kayaks
The basis of these layups is fiberglass, which is reinforced in some places. The last layer inside the kayak is Diolen, which gives extra robustness and is also very pleasant in contact with the skin. The traditional layup is based on a polyester resin. Fiberglass is a classic in kayak boat construction, which Skim has optimized with the use of various supplementary materials such as diolen and honeycomb to the traditional layup.
The traditional layup is a hand layup. i.e. the different layers are laminated by hand in the boat shape. This picture shows the lower ship. The outer layer is fiberglass. The strip of Soric material (white) gives the boat additional rigidity. The inner layer is diolene.
This image shows the inside of the deck. The deck is also laminated with fiberglass in the traditional layup. In addition, the deck is reinforced with honeycomb material in certain areas. The green frame seen in the image is the shape each kayak will be laminated in.
Here you can see how the finished laminated hull and the deck are put together. In this step, the deck and the hull are connected to each other. A Kevlar seam tape inside the kayak ensures a particularly strong connection.
As soon as the connection between deck and hull has hardened, the kayak can be removed from the mold. Now it is ready for the final work: inserting the coaming, hatch covers, bulkheads, SKEG etc.
The traditional layup from Skim has a very elegant finish on the inside of the kayak. This is made possible by Diolen, which is very robust and, thanks to its smooth structure, is very pleasant in contact with the skin.
The imprint on the side of the cockpit shows the layout used.
Extra Rigid Layup / XR
Available for: Artisan 5G, Viking Legenda, Differ
The Xtra Rigid layup is also a hand layup like the traditional layup. The special thing about the XR is a complete layer of Kevlar (yellow color). This achieves a high level of robustness.
Rockhopper Layup / RH
Available for: Beaufort, Braveheart
The hull of this version is designed for extreme use and is almost indestructible. This is made possible by a sandwich construction in which a honeycomb core is layered with Kevlar and fiberglass on both sides. A 30 cm wide strip of carbon that runs lengthways across the hull provides additional rigidity.
The so-called "vacuum bagging" process is used for the Rockhopper layup. This is a process that allows very precise lamination. After the various layers of the laminate and the resin have been placed in the mould, it is covered with an airtight film and connected to a vacuum pump. This creates a defined pressure on the laminate. The connection between the different layers is improved under pressure and the distribution of the resin is optimised. Excess resin is sucked off. This improves the ratio of resin to fiberglass or other fibers. The result is a lighter laminate.
A vinyl ester resin is used here, which is significantly tougher, more durable and impact-resistant than polyester resins due to its structure. The layup also saves weight. The kayak (Beaufort) weighs around 700 g less than the TR layup.
The Rockhopper layup is SKIM's most robust layup.
The application of the vacuum bagging / vacuum infusion process can be seen here. The mold is sealed with the vacuum foil. The vacuum is generated via the hoses by a pump. The laminate is bonded together by pressure, the resin is pressed into the laminate and distributed evenly. Excess resin is sucked off.
The laminating process is supported by a vacuum pump. The result is particularly uniform, high-strength and lighter laminates with an optimal proportion and distribution of the resin.
The interior of the Rockhopper layup shows the carbon strip. The yellow layer is Kevlar. Kevlar makes the Rockhopper layup almost indestructible.
Carbon Light Layup / CL
Available for: All models Skim kayaks
The deck and hull are made of carbon. Carbon allows for a thinner laminate with the same stiffness. This saves about 3 kg in weight compared to the Rockhopper layup. Skim Kayaks with the CL layup are still robust. The lightweight construction is deliberately not taken to the extreme, because sea kayaks from SKIM have to meet all the demanding areas of use.
Skim stands for very careful and precise manual work. You can see this immediately when you look inside each kayak. In the picture we see the precisely and cleanly processed carbon laminate of the hull.
Here you can see how the hull and deck are connected from the inside with a seam tape. A Kevlar/carbon tape is used for the CL layup, which guarantees a very high level of robustness of the connection.
Here a Beaufort CL comes out of the mold.
In this step, the bulkheads are used.
The view into the cockpit of a Carbon Light Beaufort.