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14 School St.
P.O. Box 505
East Boothbay, Maine
USA 04544
V: 207-633-4194
F: 207-633-4668
info@hodgdonyachts.com
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Maine Marine Manufacturing LLC of Portland, together with Hodgdon Yachts and the University of Maine is pleased to announce the launch of the new patrol craft, MK V.1 at 10:00 am, Friday, January 11, 2008 at Hodgdon Yachts, 14 School Street in East Boothbay.
The 82-foot craft, developed for the Office of Naval Research and the Special Operations Command utilizes advanced carbon/Kevlar/epoxy composite materials, and state-of-the-art resin-infusion manufacturing. The intent of the MK V.1 program is to produce a boat that can operate in rough seas while minimizing the vertical acceleration, or "slamming" felt by Special Operations crew when the boat hits a wave. The MK V.1 hull and deck are constructed from impact-absorbent composite materials that were specially engineered and extensively tested at the University of Maine's AEWC Center composites laboratory.
"The MK V.1 should offer Special Operations Forces a more stable ride with the potential for fewer injuries to the troops it carries than patrol craft currently in use. The US Navy will soon conduct extensive field testing to confirm the laboratory test results," said Maine Marine Manufacturing CEO David Packhem.
The MK V.1 launch is the latest outcome of a successful alliance between Hodgdon Yachts and the University of Maine that began in 2003. This alliance combines the craftsmanship of Maine's skilled boat builders from Hodgdon Yachts, with the innovation and research capacity at the University of Maine's AEWC Center to produce a new generation of naval vessel.
NEWS COVERAGE
Maine yard hopes to seal Navy deal
A speedboat that cushions its crew with a composite hull could win the builder a $200 million contract. Portland Press Herald, Friday, Jan. 11, 2008
Maine-built boat for U.S. Navy is 'extraordinary,' Collins says
Hodgdon Yachts used new materials to make a hull that better protects the SEALs they carry. Associated Press, Friday, Jan. 11, 2008
New boat aims to make SEALs' travels less painful CNN.com, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008