WHAT MAKES OUR BOATS SO GOOD? THE DESIGN AND THE CONSTRUCTION!

At CAB Yachts, our new boat designs begin with an idea about a yachting experience. From the first sketches to the final construction drawings, our yachts are unmistakably influenced by mid- century modern classics, but they feature very contemporary systems, and interiors. We do, however, offer complete vintage mechanical systems for the Gentleman’s Racer Series- 260 & 290 for the yachtsman who demands the authentic look, sound, and feel of a true vintage race boat. We incorporate CAD based systems to develop the design documents and prepare for the construction of every aspect of every boat we produce.

Using CNC technology to produce exact, precise frames and parts, all joinery is bedded in 3M 5200 and all components are fastened with silicone bronze fasteners. We do not use 100% solids resins. We know from experience that 100% solids resins do not move at the same rate as wood and will always fail. We guarantee it! When it fails, water enters the crack and this starts a deterioration process that we have spent countless hours trying to repair. Our boats last! By this we mean that the boats will continue to perform without plank or frame failure for decades if maintained properly, simply because our construction methods control moisture and movement.

The 5200 construction methodology creates a strong construction, that wont fail under normal stresses. In fact, the 5200/ Smiths CPES construction concept creates a soft, quiet ride not because the materials are flexible and the boat is allowed to “move” as some say, but because the rubber and wood construction allows the impact and sound forces traveling through the hull to dissipate evenly. Something other composite or hard resins constructions types don't account for. After all framing and planking is finished, all the wood is saturated with Smith’s CPES. This sealing procedure ensures that the moisture content of the wood will be regulated and never go beyond 25%- the threshold for rot spore incubation. Smiths is only about 55% solids and it penetrates to chemically bond to the cellulose fibers producing a long life sealant that remains flexible. In addition, the treatment creates a stronger chemical bond with paints and varnish to produce finishes that last for years - not just one season. 

PLANK ON FRAME WITH BATTENS. IT'S OLD SCHOOL AND IT WORKS!

Regardless of what boat builders today might say, “plank on frame” carvel construction is still one of the best methods for building a wooden boat. All of our fleet is built using carvel plank on frame with batten seams. The concept is very simple, and in its most modern derivation, has been used with great success for over decades. But times have changed- at least the technology has changed. Years ago, there were no sealants to keep the MC(moisture content) in check. Still later, in the mid 20th century, there were chemicals developed specifically for MC control in wood, but the problem was the technology. The sealants of years ago, did not last very long and so the wood eventually would start to absorb water when the boats were not maintained correctly. With that water intrusion, came multiple problems- plank swelling, finish shedding, fastener deterioration and movement. Today, the technology exist to allow the simple effective “plank on frame” methodology to work the way the shipwright’s of years ago knew that it could.

Most custom builders today have given up on “plank on frame” construction. We find that unfortunate. Instead, most are building with some derivative of “composite” construction, or some other variant. Basically, they all mean something very similar, which is to say that they combine hard 100% solids resins between layers of wood or other material to form a thicker finished material. Either way, wood and hard resins DO NOT MIX! At least not for long! As the resinous epoxy sheets age and off-gas, the resins lose strength and become more brittle. Separation will eventually occur because the two bonded materials inherently respond to forces differently. In addition, the two different materials respond to temperature change and humidity differently. When the boat hull racks and sags through movement over the water, the hard resin loses its grip and cracks or rips the surface of the wood. The result is system failure.

Still other custom builders use ALL resins reinforced with fiberglass cloth. To them, keep on! We do not compete with them because our product is in a completely different category. A CAB Yachts boat will be around for decades and provide plenty of quality time on the water, and it will always be regarded as classic, thoughtfully designed, vintage inspired yacht that is not meant to be the “first on the fishing hole”, but rather THE ONE that gets you out and back in true wooden boat quiet, smooth ride and classic styling- with a true modern edge! Our yachts create memories that go beyond the weekend tournament and reside in family ownership that lasts for generations- because CAB Yachts are The new Classics!