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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
May 22, 2012 - 5:37:21 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
FORT MYERS, FL - Several companies have begun to manufacture prototypes using advanced composite laminates for the use in high-performance, offshore boats in military applications in the past three to four years. One person, having the most experience and long track record with composite technology in this industry for over three decades, is Mark McManus of McManus SuperBoats in Fort Myers, Florida. He has dedicated himself exclusively to the design and development of creating the ultimate rough water high-speed powerboat. The superior quality speaks for itself; there has never been any hull delamination, breach or loss due to structural failure in his company history. Mark's exceptional record of success has never been duplicated by any other company. He is the only person to develop an offshore, high-performance laminate that will last over 30 years.
Mark's success and excellent track record have been a result of years of comprehensive research and rigorous sea trials. All of his powerboats are subjected to extreme sea conditions, many of his competitors would not venture with their products. His exclusive formulation of Kevlar & carbon fiber technology are the key to the unsurpassed quality. In 1977, Mark & DuPont Industries revolutionized the use of laminates in power boating by developing a unique weave of Kevlar for marine applications, specifically high-speed boats. Their research became the foundation which other companies have tried to replicate unsuccessfully. Mark formulated his own laminate designs and techniques for hull construction that surpassed industry standards and allowed the boats to perform in severe offshore conditions. Other companies started experimenting, adding internal stiffeners made of foam core to their powerboats to try to achieve performance goals. Essentially they were applying sailboat technology intended for recreational use to the hardcore reality of rough water, offshore, high-performance powerboats. Extensive hands-on research over 30 years has shown these additives do not stand the test of time and often lead to hull breach or loss. The water becomes pavement, disintegrating the foam core leading to material breakdown and ultimate failure. This outcome is unacceptable and costly whether in a commercial or military application. The hulls of McManus SuperBoats are the only hulls built to last in extreme conditions for 30 plus years, not 3-5 years. This type of quality is unparalleled. Hull life alone gives these powerboats an edge when it comes to impending military budget cuts. McManus builds a superior product that will last.
Painstaking trial and error have been the basis for his knowledge. McManus has offered warranties in privately owned racing boats allowing him a personal test fleet. Years of fixing the competitors products also allowed him a unique insight of what not to do. Scientific engineering, computer generated simulation and analysis approach are ineffective in real life situations. All the data collected from computer models is no match for the harsh effects of the open sea.
In addition to extended hull life, durability and performance, Mark's shock mitigation technology dramatically decreases the impact and injury to operators and occupants. Injuries in moderate to extreme sea have long been a concern in high-performance offshore powerboats. Long-term disability in military crews using outdated technology has been an ongoing problem. According to Lt. Damon Shearer, senior medical officer of the NSWG-4, forces upward of 20 times that of gravity (20 Gs) have been produced by the aluminum Mark V. Fighter pilots are subjected to forces up to 10 Gs. The crew is subjected to a wide array of traumatic injury before their mission begins. This contributes to a long-term financial problem for the military already facing historic budget cuts. Mark's formulation & technology dramatically decrease injuries to both operating crews and occupants. He is dedicated to the utmost safety for anyone operating one of his vessels.
The pure performance of his boats, dominate the competition. Mark's 30+ years of success have been possible due to his ability to merge his proprietary knowledge of laminate designs with his impeccable boat building standards and skills to build offshore high-performance boats from 20 to 65 feet in length. He is a respected master in the industry and widely recognized by boating industry leaders for his numerous design innovations. Mark has said, "As clients communicate their unique specifications, I have the distinct ability to manufacture their visions, exceeding their expectations in each case." He has built over 600 boats for governments, militaries and individuals worldwide for coastal patrol, interception, special operations, mission specific, recreational, race and commercial applications.
Projects include the following:
- U.S. Customs "Blue Thunder" Patrol Craft
- President George H.W. Bush
- Royal Oman Police
- Israeli Special Forces
- Jean-Claude Duvalier (President of Haiti)
- The Courts of H. H. Sh. Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (Royal Family of Bahrain)
- King Hussein bin Talal (Jordan)
- King Juan Carlos I of Spain
- Asif Rangoonwala (Powerboat P1 Motorsports)
- Fred Kiekhaefer, Mercury Racing
- Roger Penske, Penske Racing
- Mario Andretti.
McManus SuperBoats is located at 15821 Chief Court, Fort Myers, FL. For more information, call 239-454-1114 or visit www.apachepowerboats.com.
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