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| The
Material |
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High-Performance
Thermoplast
Prijon boats are constructed with high performance thermoplastic, or HTP,
also known as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. An HTP molecule
is about 10 times longer, with 30% higher E module (longitudinal
stiffness), and 25% higher torsional stiffness than rotationally molded
polyethylene. This same material is used for other products such as
cutting boards, racing skis, and in industrial applications where
strength and durability are critical. The length of the HTP molecule,
combined with the pressure of our extrusion and blowmolding process,
produces very dense plastic with long and tenacious bonds between
individual molecules. As a result, Prijon kayaks are the strongest, most
rigid and most durable in the world.
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| The
Process |
Robotic
arm removing a touring hull
from the Blowmolding machine |
Extrusion
Blowmolding
Prijon’s world-renowned extrusion blowmolding manufacturing process is
unique in the realm of paddle sports. Constructed of high performance
thermoplastic (HTP), the resulting boats are the strongest, most rigid and
durable in the world. How long Prijon boats will actually last is a
question yet to be answered. The first Taifun we manufactured back in 1983
is still afloat and being paddled with pleasure by its owner. The
equipment used for this process is massive and complex. The extrusion
blowmolding machinery is over 40 feet tall and weighs 350 tons. The
individual kayak molds used in the blowmolders are each a work of art,
being individually machined from 5-ton blocks of aluminum and fitted with
water cooling, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. |
| The
actual extrusion and blowmolding processes are controlled by computer. A
customized program specifies temperature, material flow rate and hydraulic
as well as air pressure characteristics of a given extrusion and molding
according to the unique requirements of each kayak design. The HTP
material emerges from the extruder 20 feet above the floor as a tube of
taffy-like plastic roughly the diameter and length of the kayak being
molded. The mold halves are closed around the tube and a bang is heard as
air is blown into the mold at 145 psi. The air pressure forces the tube of
HTP to assume the shape of the inside of the mold. After cooling the mold
halves are split open and a new Prijon kayak hull emerges, ready for
trimming and final outfitting. |
| The
Result |
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10
times the molecular length
More
strength & tremendous durability
30%
higher E module (longitudinal stiffness)
Better
performance in the river
25%
increase in torsional stiffness
Immediate
response during quick maneuvers
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| The
HTP Advantages |
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Performance
Experience
the performance of glass and the durability of plastic, no substitute HTP.
Prijon kayaks have similar paddling characteristics to fiberglass and
carbon kevlar kayaks but with amazing durability and zero maintenance. You
will notice the same glide, carves and rigidity as that of high-end glass
boats at a fraction of the cost.
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Pillar-Free
Movement
Most
kayaks use pillars that can inhibit your safety and comfort. Prijon kayaks
are engineered and built so strong that pillars are not needed. When
paddling Prijon kayaks, the comfort and safety of the open cockpit are
unmatched |
no
pillar means lot's of
foot room |
Storage
Capacity
The
internal capacity is significantly greater in blowmolded HTP kayaks.
Behind your seat, in the cockpit area and in front of bulkhead footbraces,
no pillars take up space. You can efficiently pack gear to evenly
distribute the weight without hindering performance. |
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Repairability
HTP is
repairable. Typically most paddlers routinely maintain their HTP kayaks
with repair sticks. Fix scratches, nicks and other blemishes with HTP
repair sticks and a little heat. |
color-matched
repair sticks |
Durability
HTP is
superior in strength, rigidity and shape memory. Ultraviolet stabilizers
blended in HTP prevent punishment the sun can reap on your kayak. Ask any
Prijon paddler how long they think their boat will last. |
Environmental
Commitment
We are
committed to zero waste, reuse and earth-friendly materials. If our
stringent requirements are not met in a particular boat, that hull will be
reused in other boat parts. HTP is groundwater neutral and non-toxic. |
5
Year Hull Warranty
At
Prijon we are so confident in our standard, HTP and the blowmolding
process that we offer the best 5-year warranty available today. Experience
the difference we have to offer |
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