Famous skiff designer Chris Morejohn is making a new boat using basalt volcanic rock fiber fabrics. Chris has reported that he first made similar size panels of Fiberglass, Kevlar, Carbon and Basalt fibers to test. Smashing with a hammer each panel was easily destroyed except the Basalt which Chris says the hammer bounced off!
Three other boat builders are now in the process of building basalt boat hulls. Each has done similar testings and all report how well the basalt fabrics wet, lay up and take impact. Two 38 foot fishing boats are being made in California and Mexico. Another two skiffs in Florida and more to come.
We welcome boat fabricators and designers to consider the cost effective solution of basalt. We believe that even though it costs a bit more than fiberglass, less layers can be used and still be more impact resistant. Meaning a lot less time, labor and resin. So bottom line costs are less for a stiffer and far more impact tolerant final boat.
Basalt is far more recyclable as well. We make composites ROCK!
I’m considering using basalt rebar and concrete or cement to replace a mast step with very limited work space on a Northwest 18 daysailer. After discovering basalt rebar I just Googled Basalt boats and found your site. I was wondering if someone was working with basalt composites! This is fantastic, I’d love to know more!
Hi Austin, Call me at 401-481-8422 Nick. or
email nick@basalt.email
I live in Beaver Harbour, New Brunswick, Canada and I am ready to glass my Ocracoke 20 hull. Where can I purchase byaxial Basalt and I would appreciate any guidance you might be able to provide.
Thanks
Rick Hawkins
I forgot to mention I am using epoxy resin
https://www.basalt.guru/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/SBS-Basalt-Product-List.pdf
Call me at 401-481-8422
But to build a boat from basalt mats, you have to laminate it using some form of resin, so I don’t see how it is any greener to recycle than standard fiberglass. Can you explain how it is more recyclable?
Yes resins are an issue however they can be removed and the basalt fibers are not petroleum based they are all rock so they can be more easily recycled or disposed. Many new resins are being made that are bio-based and made from plants. We are working with a large plant based company now to get more educated as to the performance of these resins. This is the future of many composites and we are excited to be involved in making the changes for a better world.
Hello Nick. I’m interested in developing basalt fiber construction products. I was recently glad to see a basalt fiber plant was finally built in the US. What do you think about the Mafic company in North Carolina?
Hi David, we love all things basalt and wish Mafic all the best success. There is plenty of room for more players in the basalt industries about to become exponentially large here for all kinds of industries- construction products being a huge one as well.
All natural fibers made from rocks have so many beneficial properties compared to petroleum based fibers.