Company:
K1 Marine Trimming Pty Ltd

Project Details

Fabric 1

Strata Glass
Producer/Manufacturer: Herculite Products Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Design Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski

Design Company
K1 Marine Trimming Pty Ltd

Fabrication Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski + Samuel Morris

Fabrication Company
K1 Marine Trimming Pty Ltd

Installation Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski + Allan Lockett

Installation Company
K1 Marine Trimming Pty Ltd


Please describe the project specifications

Description:

• 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. To meet these expectations, we completely redesigned then manufactured a Riviera 51 Flybridge Clear Enclosure using Strataglass Clear, Flexlight Lodge for reinforcing, YKK zips and PTFE Tenara thread.
• Complexity:
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 six 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 and meeting the clients brief involved a complete redesign of the enclosure that would require significant improvements on both the 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 our enclosure would withstand use and the harsh marine elements.

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. By using our tried and tested methods we were able to take the various existing shapes and structures into account to create a design using only four panels. This meant we were able to avoid the previous problems associated with creating joins over high stress areas, as well as creating a visually seamless and beautiful look to the enclosure.

We designed the enclosure with a single window at both the front and rear of the enclosure to minimise visual obstruction, as well as allow easy access to the rod holders at the rear of the flybridge. We incorporated external weather covers for all zips/tracks to both reduce the likelihood of leakage as well as protect the zip plastic itself from UV and other environmental damage, thereby ensuring these components will last longer in the harsh Australian sun. Replacing the track along the ceiling and deck allowed us to achieve a perfect fit when installing the new enclosure, and contributes to a weatherproof, leak proof design. To further support the longevity of the enclosure, we used UV rated PTFE thread. 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.

• Uniqueness:
Whilst it may be easy to feel that creating a Flybridge Enclosure for a well-known vessel such as the Riviera 51 may not be considered particularly ‘unique’, we believe that our attention to detail, commitment to excellence and the delivery of a functional and aesthetically beautiful product makes our entry unique to the category. The notably perfect fit, sleek and uninterrupted views, incorporating our own innovative weatherproof design, as well as looking like the enclosure may only be comprised of two or three panels makes the enclosure a visually stunning achievement.

• Functionality and results:
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 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 and referring several of their friends looking for similar solutions.

Uniqueness:

• Whilst not present in the submission videos or photos, we provide our clients with follow up support as well as a care and maintenance package as standard. This comprises all relevant cleaning and maintenance products, as well as instructions for use specific to their enclosure or product. We believe the provision of such a package is unique to our business, and we pride ourselves on providing support to our clients past the completion of the project.

• We have incorporated a design feature that is not only not standard within the industry, but is also notably not common; weather proof 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.

• The previous enclosure, and in fact most ‘from factory’ enclosures for this type of flybridge, came in six panels. Our unique design comprises only four panels, which significantly improves the appearance and performance of the enclosure. Being able to reduce the number of panels reduces the number of joins, and therefore weak points and opportunities for leakage, as well as significantly increasing visibility. 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.

• 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 truly believe the photos and videos of this submission speak for themselves regarding our commitment to achieving the best fitment possible. We have achieved this result due to our innovative design and manufacturing processes.


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