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IHK Schleswig-Holstein
Innovative boatbuilding: sport-boats made in Schleswig-Holstein
The construction of sports boats and sailing boats has undergone significant development in recent years. New materials, digital manufacturing methods and increased demands for sustainability and performance are driving innovation in the industry.
One key area of innovation is the use of new materials. High-tech composites such as carbon fibre and Kevlar are increasingly being used in the construction of sports boats and sailing boats to reduce weight while increasing stability and rigidity. Some of these materials originate from aviation and competitive sports, but are also used in modern shipbuilding, for example in fast ferries and military vessels.
Foams and bio-based plastics are also gaining importance as lightweight construction materials. Knowledge of structural design, sandwich construction methods and the simulation of material loads can be transferred from large shipbuilding. Research in these areas is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary.
The digitalisation of planning and manufacturing is another field of innovation. CAD programmes, digital twins and simulation tools from shipbuilding are now also being used in recreational boat building to optimise aerodynamic and hydrodynamic properties. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is used for prototypes, special components and even in mould making.
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Smaller boat builders in particular benefit from this, as digital tools reduce development costs and allow individual customer requirements to be implemented more efficiently. Technologies such as CNC milling, laser cutting and automated lamination processes often originate from industrial shipbuilding and are now also finding their way into the leisure segment.
Sustainability is a growing area of innovation. Customers are increasingly demanding boats with a low ecological footprint. This applies to both materials (e.g. recyclable hulls, environmentally friendly paints) and propulsion systems. Electric or hybrid propulsion systems, solar energy and even hydrogen are being tested and, in some cases, are already in series production.
Here, recreational boat building can benefit from shipbuilding, where green technologies are already more advanced: battery and energy management systems, low-emission engine technology and energy-saving concepts can be transferred and adapted. However, the switch to sustainable propulsion systems also requires adjustments in design, weight balance and user-friendliness.
Even though autonomous ships are not yet widespread in the leisure sector, assistance systems, intelligent navigation and modern on-board electronics are increasingly finding their way into this area. GPS-assisted autopilots, collision avoidance, smart displays and networked systems can now also be found in mid-range sailing boats.
Developments in shipbuilding, such as sensor technology, data fusion and remote monitoring, can certainly be transferred to recreational boat building. The challenge lies in miniaturisation, cost reduction and user-friendliness for recreational use.
The WOY project by Jan Brügge, made in Schleswig-Holstein, makes a particularly creative contribution to boat innovation. WOY stands for a new boat concept that impresses with its minimalist design, modular construction and environmentally friendly materials. The aim is to create a boat for leisure, recreation and gentle tourism that is affordable, sustainable and aesthetic at the same time. The project stands for innovation:
• Material selection: Use of wood in combination with bio-based resins and natural fibres
• Modularity: The boat can be configured as a paddle boat, sailing boat or electric boat as required
• Production: Digital manufacturing processes enable resource-efficient, near-series production
• Design: Clean lines, minimal technology, plenty of space for experiencing nature and tranquillity on the water
WOY is not just a boat, but an expression of a new attitude towards water sports: slow-paced, emission-free and close to nature. The project has attracted attention at design fairs and innovation events and is a prime example of how modern boatbuilding craftsmanship and creative sustainability can go hand in hand.
Recreational boat and sailing boat construction benefits in many ways from classic shipbuilding. Materials, digital tools, sustainable technologies and smart systems can be transferred, adapted and further developed. At the same time, recreational boat building brings its own innovative impulses to the table – for example, through high design standards, customer customisation and agility in the development process.
The future lies in the further integration of both areas: through knowledge transfer, joint research projects and practical training and further education. In this way, technological developments can be used more efficiently – for a sustainable, high-performance and customer-oriented maritime leisure industry.
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