Archives

Project Details

Fabric 1

Strata Glass
Producer/Manufacturer: Nolan Group
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Flexlight 6002
Producer/Manufacturer: Serge Ferrari
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 3

YKK Zips
Producer/Manufacturer: Shann
Primary Use: Hardware/Findings

Fabric 4

Flexi Track Marine
Producer/Manufacturer: WA Textiles
Primary Use: Hardware/Findings

Design Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski

Design Company
K1 Marine Trimming Pty Ltd

Fabrication Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski + Samuel Morris + Allan Lockett

Fabrication Company
K1 Marine Trimming Pty Ltd

Installation Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski + Samuel Morris + Allan Lockett

Installation Company
K1 Marine Trimming Pty Ltd

Please describe the project specifications

The client requested a Flybridge Clear Enclosure with the following criteria: provide the maximum possible unobstructed vision and clarity; provide a sleek and smooth aesthetic; enable easy access to the rear Flybridge fishing rod holders; provide a high-quality product that would last more than ‘a couple of years’.

We worked closely with the client to make sure we knew exactly what they wanted and so were clear on what we needed to achieve. Our process is one of attention to detail, consideration of all elements of design and their implication, and how best to incorporate everything we need to achieve. Thoroughness in the planning stage is what ensured we could not only meet but exceed the clients’ expectations.

The previous clear enclosure had not withstood the test of time due to poor quality materials and construction techniques. It was easy to see where the client’s complaints of leaking and the emphasis on unobstructed vision had come from; the clears were yellowing and hazy, the view was obstructed by multiple unnecessary solid panels and zips, the enclosure itself had been created in several panels with joins in high load/stress areas and therefore susceptible to damage from environmental exposure, causing frequent leaks and an overall unpleasant user experience for the client. Upon closer inspection it was also clear that a non-UV rated thread had been used, and that the stitching was coming apart in some sections; the high load areas were particularly affected.

Addressing these issues to create a bespoke, perfectly fitting and weatherproof Flybridge Clear Enclosure to meet the clients brief involved a complete redesign of the enclosure and required significant improvements on both design and execution. In addition to using design expertise to overcome the performance and longevity failings of the previous enclosure, we were able to apply our innovative construction techniques combined with the best quality materials to ensure both an aesthetically flawless finish and that our enclosure would withstand use and the harsh marine elements for many years to come.

What is unique or complex about the project?

We chose to submit this project as it perfectly showcases our commitment to quality, functionality, aesthetics, and customer satisfaction. We don’t let the difficulty of any project stand in the way of achieving exemplary results.

The complexity of this project centred around providing maximum vision (ie. designing the enclosure with as few panels as possible) whilst navigating the changes in angles associated with corners and attachment points for both the ceiling and the deck, as well as incorporating as weather tight a solution as possible.

The previous enclosure, and in fact most ‘from factory’ enclosures for this type of flybridge, came in six panels. By using our tried and tested design methods we were able to take the various existing shapes and structures into account to create a design using only four panels. Being able to reduce the number of panels avoids the problems associated with the previous enclosure such as creating joins over high stress areas, weak points, and opportunities for leakage, as well as significantly increasing visibility, thereby significantly improving the performance of the enclosure as well as creating a visually seamless and beautiful look. Our commitment to innovative design rather than going with the ‘easy’ choice to recreate a previous or common design allows us to provide such unique and visually stunning solutions to our customers.

To further support the longevity of the enclosure we used specifically UV rated PTFE thread across the entire project. We also double reinforced all edges using a high-quality material with a 10 year UV rating to provide structural support and increase the lifespan of the enclosure. Sadly, these aspects of design and manufacture within our industry are often overlooked or omitted. We believe these simple but significant additions greatly contribute to the performance and longevity of the enclosure and will ensure the client avoids the problems they encountered with their previous enclosure.

We have incorporated a unique design feature that is not only not standard within the industry but is also notably not common; weatherproof external covers to protect all zips and tracking. This feature ensures that zips and tracking are both protected from UV radiation and other environmental exposure (zip materials are not sufficiently treated or rated for environmental exposure and are therefore among the first elements of an enclosure to deteriorate), as well as ensuring a weatherproof and leakproof experience for the user. In addition, we designed an elasticated pocket to cover the zip and track joint for the front edge track to ensure a waterproof attachment point for the clear; to our knowledge, no such design has been created or used by any other trimmer to achieve this result.

By taking the time to create a truly bespoke design, considering all aspects of the brief, we were able to achieve two main things: a very happy client, and a truly beautiful and functional Clear Flybridge Enclosure. The client was thrilled with the perfect fit, near 100% visibility, 100% clarity, how weatherproof the enclosure is now, and how much more enjoyable the use of the Flybridge is since our installation. The client was particularly impressed by the fit of the clears – the absence of any ripple, crease, or imperfection whatsoever, and the increased visibility by reducing the number of windows and unnecessary zips obstructing the view. By using the best quality materials, the client is relieved to know that they will be able to enjoy their new enclosure for many, many years to come, and have mentioned their enthusiasm and appreciation for our services, as well as having referred several of their friends looking for similar solutions.

All of our material choices were made with both aesthetics and longevity in mind. We used materials with the maximum warranty periods for their type to ensure the enclosure will not only withstand, but continue to perform in the harsh marine environment. In addition, we provide a care and maintenance package to the client containing relevant cleaning and maintenance products, as well as instructions specific to their use. By combining the best available materials and client education on how to care for and maintain their enclosure we are confident our enclosure will stand the test of time.

We are extremely proud of and believe a truly unique element of our enclosure is the absolute perfect fitment. It is rare in our industry to be able to achieve a clear enclosure free of any imperfections, such as ripples or creases, especially across such a large enclosure. We have achieved this result due to our innovative design and manufacturing processes.

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