"Our aim was to build a boat that could successfully take part in regattas and at the same time make access to the scene cheaper," says Moeser, explaining the concept. In addition to the finish, the construction of a lightweight and torsion-resistant hull consumes the majority of the costs. The production shipyards rely on mould gluing under vacuum. However, this requires a positive core and therefore significantly increases the cost per unit.
This is exactly where Moeser comes in. Based on a line plan by Judel/Vrolijk, his 20 is a moulded construction made of plywood and 13 millimetre thick cedar strips. The wooden strips are glued directly to the frame he developed instead of on separate moulds. The highlight: the wooden parts for the hull and the simple slipway are prefabricated with millimetre precision using laser cutting. Everything can then be put together like a large model kit and only needs to be glued together with epoxy resin. Time-consuming customisation or sanding work is practically no longer required for the skeleton, and construction progresses quickly.
In addition, the scaffolding consisting of 14 frame frames, keelson, centreboard box and beam spreaders is designed in such a way that it not only fulfils all structural tasks. The storage compartments, berth supports and buoyancy bodies required by class regulations are also integrated as load-bearing parts. This means that no further interior fittings are necessary, at least for regatta sailing. This also saves time and money.
Find out what else is behind the kit, how much it costs and how the self-build dinghy cruiser sails in YACHT 10/2012, on newsstands from 25 April.
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
