Sport Cruiser Construction
Building something right is a labor of love. At Larson, we love boats. The way they look, how they work, and the act of actually putting them together. That’s why we don’t settle, or cut corners on any aspect of the process. From the materials we choose to the methods we use, we follow exacting standards of quality. This allows us to build better boats while controlling costs. And that, in a nutshell, is how we define “value.” That combination of craftsmanship, commitment and honest value is how it’s always been at Larson. Which is why, year after year, we’ve received recognition and awards – from the boating industry and press, for customer satisfaction, and for environmental stewardship. But after all is said and done, our biggest reward is the feeling you get when you take your new Larson out for the first time.
Running Surface
- Forward plane section gives you quicker planing with less power. It also cuts waves for a softer ride.
- Wide chine flats increase stability and offer more buoyancy. Passengers will enjoy a drier ride.
- The aft plane section offers constant deadrise for a superior planing surface and a smoother ride.
- A flattened area on the centerline section increases stability in rough water.
- Carefully engineered strakes give extra lift for a better performance.
- You will also notice faster planing and improved handling.
Hull & Deck
- Specially blended, top-grade marine gelcote with UV inhibitors provide excellent weatherability and keep a glossy finish. Twenty-four mils of thickness out-weighs industry standards.
- A vinylester barrier coat is laid down over the gelcote for added protection. It also offers much better cosmetics and protects laminate from water intrusion, reducing the chance of cosmetic blisters.
- Two applications of spray core are added over the barrier coat to enhance the cosmetic finish and to build structure into the deck. Spray core offers the strength of traditional balsa core without the worry of water intrusion.
- Three separate layers including hand-rolled random strand fiberglass chop and Larson’s custom formulated 36 oz. and 24 oz. knitted fiberglass combine to make a seriously durable vessel.
- Tough biaxial material is triple matted along hull bottoms for better resistance to impact damage and torsional twisting.
- Stress points and chines are triple matted for added strength.
- A one-piece XL Boat Panel stringer system is installed with knitted fiberglass and chop to become a permanent and integral part of the hull.
- All cavities under the floor and stringers are filled with expanding urethane flotation foam, which chemically bonds to the hull surface, stringers and floor to prevent water accumulation. The foam also deadens noise and vibration.
- Unitized deck construction, with deck, cabin top and cockpit fabricated as a single unit, provides greater structural integrity and less “racking” and flexing than common “layer cake” construction methods. It also “caps” the hull, preventing water from entering the cabin/engine compartment.
- Precision overlap hull-to-deck joints eliminate the “hinge effect” of flanged hull-to-deck joints, producing a stronger, more durable seam. Mechanical fasteners every 2"– 4" around the perimeter assure consistent, reliable fastening. A polyurethane sealant/bonding compound supplements the joint.
- Deck and hull-side coring reduces weight and improves rigidity, provides maximum strength-to-weight ratio and serves as insulation to help control internal temperatures.
- Electronics arches are custom-designed for each model and constructed of premium-grade aluminum or fiberglass for optimum strength.
Electrical
- Precision overlap hull-to-deck joints eliminate the “hinge effect” of flanged hull-to-deck joints, producing a stronger, more durable seam. Mechanical fasteners every 2"– 4" around the perimeter assure consistent, reliable fastening. A polyurethane sealant/bonding compound supplements the joint.
- Harnessed, Color-Coded Wiring Systems, with loomed runs of individually labeled, wiring on both AC and DC sides, provide durability, corrosion resistance and easy troubleshooting. All 12V harness sections are joined with pin connectors, and 12V and 110V accessories are hard-wired.
- All electrical components in the engine compartment are ignition protected for your security.
Cabin
- Marine Custom Cabinetry is assembled with extra care using stainless steel fasteners inserted through pre-drilled holes. All cabinets are drilled, glued and screwed — no cold steel self-tapping screws — and where appropriate, seams and tongue-and-groove are jointed for added strength. Each cabin is custom fitted by professional cabinet-makers.
- Color-coordinated upholstery and drapery fabrics are specially selected, meticulously cut and hand sewn with precision in our own Upholstery Shop. All mattresses and pillows are handcrafted.
- All engine compartments and fuel cells are completely sealed off from the cabin to keep out carbon monoxide gas or fuel fumes.
Hardware
- 316 Stainless Steel, a rigid, dense material is used on all rails and cleats, which provides maximum corrosion resistance.
- Lineal-buffed and polished stainless steel rails provide superior surface finish and corrosion resistance. All exterior welds are ground and polished to minimize the potential for surface corrosion of the welds.
- Double-welded rail stanchion bases are welded inside and out to provide maximum strength.
- Continuous Welded Rail System – unitized rail systems increase strength and reliability of rail systems. Intermediate rails add an extra measure of security.
- Aluminum Coring For All Deck Features – rail stanchion feet and cleats are backed with aluminum coring, which spreads the torsional load, provides more lasting strength and reliability than wooden, increases the life of mountings and reduces risk of damage due to water penetration.
- All fuel cells are constructed of polyurethane material – not aluminum – to eliminate the worry of replacing rusted or salt water corroded tanks.
Construction Extras
- Performance Engineering – performance cannot be measured in terms of speed alone. Performance is a harmony of ride, stability, handling, fuel economy… and speed. Larson Sport Cruisers provide all of these elements.
- Certified Component Installations – major OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) component installations are co-engineered and certified by actual OEM manufacturers to meet operational and design performance standards.
- Experienced People – skilled and dedicated, with years of boat-building experience. Our engineers and craftsmen design and create Larson Sport Cruisers with great care and attention to detail. Many of our people, in fact, are second-generation boat builders (some are third generation) and all have a deep sense of pride in their work.
- All boats are subjected to a one-hour intense spray test and then checked for leaks. All Sport Cruisers 29’ and up, as well as a random selection of smaller boats, are floated in our indoor test pool. We follow-up with a 45-point checklist that includes testing all electrical features, controls, trim pumps, seacocks and much more.
Quality Programs
Building a better boat: where art meets science. When Paul Larson, our founder, built his first boats more than 90 years ago, he was driven by curiosity and a love of the outdoors. Paul may not recognize how we build boats today, but he would still see the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Larson has always been a pioneer in the boating industry, embracing new technologies, new ways of thinking – anything that helps us build better boats. We combine these methods with new internal programs and policies with the singular goal of promoting a quality-conscious atmosphere. These and other programs are driving the way we build better boats today, and into the future.
All programs are compliant to ISO standards. This internationally accepted quality assurance registration assures that Larson Boats meet the world criteria for quality system requirements that cover all aspects of the company. Larson became the first marine company to have an ISO registered customer service department.
AESOP (All Electrical Systems Operational)
Ensures the correctness of all electrical systems in Larson product. This three-part operation implements the high-voltage, computer-monitored tests at the three different factory locations during the manufacturing phase and finishes with a detailed diagnostic of every switch, every wire and every gauge in the boat.
CAD-CAM Designed
This creates a 3D design concept on-screen. We can design parts to fit together perfectly. We can then download the design to a 5-axis router that actually creates that perfect part.
FEA Simulated Design (Finite Element Analysis)
This allows Larson to take a CAD-created model and simulate boating conditions. Larson can check for stress areas, hinge points and what the running characteristics will be before the boat ever hits the water. Anything less then perfection can be corrected at this point.
KAIZAN
Lean Manufacturing. Larson team members implement a rigorous schedule of Kaizan events to constantly analyze the methods and systems used to build product, handle customer needs and improve every aspect of our business.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
This quality program assigns key personnel to monitor year-by-year comparisons. They look for trends and improvements to be implemented into the key areas like delivery, quality and safety issues.
QATS (Quality at the Source)
Empowers each craftsperson with the responsibility to accept the work done that precedes their operation. This ensures each product component is built to the high standards set by our Engineering and Quality Control departments. Quality is not “inspected-in” at the end of the line, it is “built-in” during the entire manufacturing process.
Larson meets or exceeds the quality standards of the following organizations:
NMMA (National Marine Manufacturer’s Association), ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council), All cruisers are Yacht Certified (Double hose clamps,bronze/chrome thru-hull fittings, Gel-filled wire connectors, breakers – not fuses), USCG (United States Coast Guard), CCG (Canadian Coast Guard), CE Certified (An international certification) for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Turkey and The Netherlands.