LTN, A NEW WAY TO BUILD RUBBER BOATS

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A revolution in the world of dinghies. The inventors are Sergio Agazzi and Giulio Sottocornola, two partners from Bergamo with a very long experience in the field of rubber boats. What they invented is something really new: aluminium rubber boats.

“Mind you – said Agazzi – our boats must remain actual rubber boats: hull and deck are made of aluminium but tubes are actual tubes, they touch water when the boat is stationary and they ensure a good static stability. In motion, they have a good interaction with the bottom”. The two LTN partners know a lot about rubber boats and they are very proud of their project:  “We decided to build marine boats, able to sail well even in case of rough sea. Serious boats in terms of series, construction, design and waterlines.

To do this, they experienced the collaboration with a young Sardinian designer, Alessandro Chessa (Akes Design): “ We immediately understood each other  – saild Agazzi – we gave him some basic information about the boat we desired according to our 20-year-experience as rubber boats builders and users. Our views were the same; working with Alessandro was a pleasure for us“.

Aluminum rubber boats are something really new. There are some models in North-Europe but they are rather different and less advanced. But why aluminium? ” For many reasons. – Agazzi said – First of all, because we thought that the market was finally ready for something new. Then, aluminium allows some physical and mechanical features which make rubber boats ligther, about 30% more resistant and rigid. In terms of construction, this material doesn’t require any moulds – so we have the opportunity to reduce costs and produce custom-models – and it gives the possibility to create negative angles. What are the advantages? ” A greater customization and the possibility to produce, for example, furniture or sofas narrower in the lower part and larger in the upper one: this means more walkable surface and more space”.

LTN’s list includes two ranges: the old one with fiberglass 18 and 21 models and Aluminium Series, including 26 Venom we have just tested, pushed by a Suzuki 250 engine, and 34 Diamond, which will be presented at the Genoa Boat Show with its two fore 300 HP Suzuki engines.

Are aluminium boats imagined as working rough solid boats?  “Our boats are certainly solid but not rough.  We pay a maniacal attention to details, everything must be perfect and we address to demanding shipowners”

Can you give us some examples? “First of all, we use 5083 aluminium, the best material in terms of resistance in marine waters. Painting is multi-layer, professional, very expensive but necessary for the high-quality we desire. An then, there are further details, such as painting inside lockers made of some porcelain elements in order to reduce noise, seals anywhere and well-protected cables”.

Are aluminium boats difficult to maintain? ” In consideration of all our construction attention, absolutely not. But, like engines, you need sacrifical anodes. They are on the stern and they must be changed like outboards’ones“.

Is this hig-quality expensive? “I’d say no. Our aim is, in fact, to produce high-quality but not expensive boats. For example, 26 Venom, with almost all optionals and Suzuki 250, costs € 70,866 , VAT excluded.

Below, the interview (in Italian) to Ezio Agazzi.