At Topaz we believe a boat is only as good as the materials used in its construction. We use the finest gelcoat available, with ultra violet inhibitors to minimize chaulking and fading. Premium resins have been selected to maximize the adhesion between laminants, as well as minimize the possibility of osmotic blistering.  These resins are combined with the most technologically advanced fiberglass materials available to produce a boat which can withstand the punishment of angry seas for years to come.

Lamination begins with mold preparation. Each mold is polished to a mirror finish prior to the application of the gelcoat. This preparation ensures the flawless exterior finish for which Topaz is famous. A layer of gel, 22 mills thick, is applied to the mold representing your boat’s first line of defense against the elements.  This durable surface will be resistant to crazing, scratching, and fading keeping your boat looking like new season after season.  

Once the gel or “skincoat” application is complete the lamination process continues. The first laminant used is a 1.5 ounce coremat. A tremendous amount of heat is generated during lamination, and coremat provides a barrier between the skin coat and the later installed structural laminants  preventing “print through” and further enhancing the final finish of every Topaz. 

The Topaz design team has chosen a 2415 stitchmat as our primary structural laminant. This product is manufactured by Owens Corning, an industry leader in fiberglass technology.  Layer after layer are painstakingly applied and hand rolled to ensure maximum strength and adhesion.  A total of nine layers go into the hull of every 32 Express, and an amazing eleven layers go into every

40 Express hull!  Our hulls are 100% hand laminated fiberglass, there is no coring material below the rubrail. This time-tested method of construction serves two purposes. First, every Topaz bottom is over one inch thick solid fiberglass, we challenge you to find a heavier built boat. Secondly, and equally as important, this technique keeps the weight close to the waterline, lowering the vessel’s center of gravity and greatly improving stability.  The decks and small parts are produced using the same laminants incorporating the use of balsa core. The balsa helps to stiffen these components while reducing weight above the rubrail again helping maintain the lowest possible center of gravity.

During the lamination process the boat’s stringers and bulkheads are installed in the hull. Both are completely encapsulated in multiple layers of fiberglass with additional laminants installed in key stress areas.  During this stage engine mounts, fuel tank beds, and shelves for key systems are all glassed in place. Once complete all areas which are visible in a finished boat are covered with white gelcoat for ease of maintenance.

After lamination every hull, deck, and small part is fully cured in the mold. This ensures the quality and structural integrity of each and every component. Not every manufacturer has this luxury, but at Topaz we limit our production... sacrificing quantity not quality.