Northwood Exterior sidewall finish

[Wood Chip]

I picked up my 32-5m a few weeks ago and couldnt help notice that the finish on the Arctic Fox has a very textured finish (Sheen) compared to its competitors and even compared to its sister company. Any reason Northwood has not gone to the more "high end" looking finish on it exterior sidewalls? I didnt notice it that much in my investigation mode while searching but when you get up close while waxing you can see fiberglass strands reading though the finish. Is this just the old school way of building sidewalls and Northwood hasn't changed their process?

[450Donn]

Dont they still use the Adzil or how ever its spelled? If they do it is more of a plastic material rather than fiberglas.

[Wood Chip]

Originally Posted by 450Donn

Dont they still use the Adzil or how ever its spelled? If they do it is more of a plastic material rather than fiberglas.

No, they don't use Azdel

[Cumminsfan]

Northwood has always been slow to keep up with new technology. It too 7+ years to update their interior.
One thing NW does do is keep it simple. While the exterior siding may not look as cool as others it has stood the test of time.

[road dogs]

Originally Posted by 450Donn

Dont they still use the Adzil or how ever its spelled? If they do it is more of a plastic material rather than fiberglas.

They used to use Filon IIRC.

[450Donn]

This from Northwoods website

"Aluminum Frame Construction
One-Piece, Corona Treated, Continuous Fiberglass
Hot, Polyurethane Laminated, Multi-Layered Substrate Walls"

So I stand corrected

[mobilemike]

There were years where that was a problem in boats as well.
Gel coat is expensive. The thinner the coating the less expensive the process both in materials and cure time. When they settle on a formula and curing time it affects assembly schedule. Changing it is a larger process that affects many things.
"If it works dont mess with it unless you have to."