Fancy a sandwich?

QI’m contemplating ordering a new RM1070 (dual keel) from the Fora Marine shipyard in La Rochelle. This is a major decision as it’s a t200,000 boat and I’ll be living on board all year round and sailing the world in retirement.

As you probably know, the RM is built with a marinegrade plywood and epoxy sandwich, but I’m wondering what your opinion of this material is in terms of durability?

I’ll be sailing around Brittany and the British Isles in summer, around the West

Indies in winter, but read in a second-hand RM trial that condensation can be an issue. How can it be controlled? Pierre Dubois Melbourne

TONY DAVIES REPLIES: The sandwich construction method is sound enough, the only drawback being that damage to the skin will allow moisture to enter the plywood if not repaired swifty. Generally, though, ply/epoxy laminates have a reputation for being strong and light. I regularly use ply to replace saturated foam cores as it is far more resilient than foam or balsa core.

And another bonus is that a two pack painted finish is far more durable than gelcoat and even strong, bright colours will not chalk or fade as happens with gelcoat.

Many boats can suffer from condensation and to avoid it you will need to insulate the entire hull either with spray

The RM1070+ is the latest version of the RM Yachts twin-keeler on insulation or loft insulation sealed behind panels. This was the method I used when building my previous steel vessel and it stopped condensation dead.

Your choice of vessel looks fabulous and if I were in your happy position I’d go ahead.