<<But how much does this mean in terms of reducing the cost?>>

<<It cuts foam to about one third its current cost, for a US builder..>>

 <<I think the issue is the financial commitment and risk of using this unproven material =)>>

  Precisely!

  I don't think I could make the leap because I'd tend to go with a core that's been in use for many years and tested/verified in real hulls that have been subjected to beaching, logs, ocean crossings, and so forth. 

  Of course, the only way we get real world experience with new materials is with building them.  But I'll leave that to others and take my risk with a new design, figuring out details on a double-ender such as wind sensors, nav lights, and autopilots.

  That said, it's still quite interesting, and I'd love to know what rough savings, compared to the total cost, would be for an ex40, assuming:

    - Material costs as spec'ed

    - Fully fitted out with sails and masts, but no interior other than what can be infused at build time

    - Labor at $20/hour, including foam cutting time

    - Rough cost of foam cutting machine

  My guess is that the savings is noticeable if you're providing all the labor yourself and building on a shoestring budget.  But perhaps less significant if you assume a labor cost, even if it's a lowball figure for opportunity cost.

 

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