NORCO SUPPLIES COMPOSITES FOR ELECTRIC BOAT

NORCO will supply RS Sailing’s sister company RS Electric Boats with the composite components for its new Pulse58 RIB.

The Pulse58 is a 5.8m RIB with an entirely bespoke design for a fully integral electric drive. Its sustainable composite construction comprises of bio-based infused epoxy resin, recycled PET core material and naturally sourced basalt and flax fibres. These fibres are incredibly strong and energy absorbing. RS aims to bring to market the most sustainable, lightweight and long-lasting laminate of any RIB in the sector.

“Norco looks forward to a long term partnership with RS Sailing to move this range forward and in time hopefully others," said Simon Mitchell, production manager at NORCO.

John Smith, project engineer at RS Electric Boats added: “The Pulse58 is revolutionary due to its huge depth of technology and innovation, it defines a new genre of motorboats. Similar to electric cars, full electric drive requires a change of mindset and habits of use that match its capability.

"These small changes are key to protecting the future of our planet and continued enjoyment of boating in a sustainable way.”

In line with RS's focus on sustainability alongside zero emissions, the short distance between RS’s facility and NORCO’s site in Poole, Dorset was a major influence in NORCO being selected as the primary composites manufacturer for this new electric boat. The short transport time will ensure a lower carbon footprint.