| Kelsall Catamarans Press Release
NZ Catamaran Design Company Spreads its Message Around the World
Returning from two months in N. and S. America, designer Derek Kelsall and his partner Paula report an ever expanding interest
in the Kelsall catamaran designs and in using the unique KSS method of custom boat building. The designs range across all
types and sizes. The sailing models are the most numerous but an expanding range of power catamarans, leisure and
commercial, are also on offer to the boat builder – as well as the custom design service.
Where KSS has been well received in the owner build market for some time, it has
been slower to become accepted by the professional boat builders. However, this
is changing. Much of the current interest is from established builders seeking to
move into the catamaran market, who appreciate the time saving, the improved
workshop environment and the better quality control.
One of the highlights of Paula and Derek’s trip was the visit to a KSS boat builder in
Lima, Peru. Giorgio Ballotta has taken what he learnt at a KSS workshop held in
Texas four years ago and built his long standing family business into a vigorous,
forward looking company. We were given a very warm welcome on arrival at the
Ballotta boat yard. All 40+ staff were gathered together to welcome us. It is
impressive with a 39 footer and three 58 footers lined up, as well as three 46 footers
on the water. The prices are exceptionally competitive, the quality second to none
and the reliability 100%.
Giorgio describes KSS as a "revolutionary approach to boat building, in terms of
quality, build time and tooling requirements. KSS has transformed our business.
We have a table and the resin infusion system set up. We can offer the whole of
the Kelsall range of power and sailing craft and have access to the Kelsall custom
design services". Projects in negotiation range up to 120ft.
KSS is based on the materials, PVC foam and fiberglass, and the use of the resin infusion process for almost all of the
laminating involved. As THE pioneer of the use of foam starting in 1965, the refinement of the handling methods associated with
foam, has been a career long effort by Derek. Over the 40+ years, foam has gone from Kelsall only, to universal acceptance.
KSS is still the World leader in efficiency.
KSS offers the boat builder a much more efficient way of making a single craft or a small run of the same design. This is
particularly true for the larger models. The builders can compete in the market place, without the usual very high labour content
of traditional custom build methods and without the very high investment in tooling needed for the typical series production
models. Where more than one boat is to be built, part moulds can be made for the more complex shapes. A mould table, the
length of the boat and the vacuum resin infusion set up is the main investment.
The Kelsall tour began with family and friends in Colorado, then moved on to Florida
for a KSS workshop in Pensacola, and to family in Naples, before flying S. The
workshop was threatened by Hurricane Ike that fortunately swung away, but not
before bringing high water to literally one inch away from flooding the workshop.
The KSS workshop is a regular feature in US, NZ and Australia. It takes those
attending through the whole KSS process in an informal, hands-on approach.
Typically, a catamaran hull is produced in four days.
Next stop was in Peru. After visiting the boats, Giorgio and friends provided a guided tour, which included driving over the
Andies and down into the jungle on the other side. Lima is an interesting place. A considerable amount of fog and wet, cold
mist, but it never rains. Like the other S. American countries Paula and Derek found lots of contrast, lots of colour and very
helpful people. From Peru, Quito was next stop. The attractive capital is well worth a visit. Bus travel on to meet new family in
Santo Domingo was a hair raising, 2 US dollar, 2 hour bus ride, experience not to be missed. Quayaquil, near the coast of
Equador, was another venue to meet Giorgio and potential clients, followed by another tour along the coast of this unique
country.
Due to visa and vaccination misinformation from travel agent, a planned visit to friends and potential clients in Brazil was
cancelled. Disappointing but we made the most of the time remaining exploring Chile. Another fascinating country, which for us
included a night at the Ballet in Santiago, the second city of Valporaiso and a drive along Costa Norte. Derek and Paula say it
was the people who made this trip so memorable. Before arriving in Chile for the last week of the two months, they had stayed
five nights only in Hotels and two of those were a side trip in Colorado. The rest of the time was staying with old friends or with
new friends.
Recent Kelsall design projects are building in Australia, the Philippines, Korea, China, US, Canada, UK and Peru. Boat builders
in Russia (a 60 footer), S. Africa, Germany and Turkey are arranging to be able to offer our KSS catamarans. Two aluminium
build and an 11m mono are included in the in-build list. A new 12m Catamaran Kit in a Container is about to start. A number of
the newer designs are arranged for modular assembly, to further increase the build time efficiency. The catamaran is produced
as three separate units, which can be taken to a near complete stage while all parts are readily accessible from the shop floor,
before the final assembly.
Derek Kelsall
FRINA
www.kelsall.com |
