Roberts 543

[Duffeys]

I Just got a hull of a boat and was wondering if i should put some more on the hull right now its half and inch and it was vacuumed but i worry about the hull not being strong enough. also whats the best way to redo the deck and roof cheapest but strongest.
mike

[pressuredrop]

Originally Posted by Duffeys

I Just got a hull of a boat and was wondering if i should put some more on the hull right now

some more what?

[Duffeys]

fiberglass, balsa stuff to give it more strength or is half enough i know i have to take in account the rest or the interior stuff but i was told the hull is ok and that i can go ahead to start on other stuff rahter than hull

[NotQuiteLost]

Get a surveyor to give you a professional opinion on the hull. It's impossible to know the quality of the GRP work unless it's got a survey, or a reputable shipyard's name stamped on it, along with the construction methodology. More is not always better with GRP, although it's usually a quick, simple 'solution.'

Myself, I'd never even try to guess on a home GRP job. Outta my league.

[Duffeys]

oh ok thanks you but have you heard of hull that are just fiberglass half inch thick and nothing else

[PAR]

Duffeys, as a rule it's best to not second guess the scantling provisions of the designer. You'll go bald and possibly insane in short order if much of this occurs. "Strong enough" is a hugely misunderstood term, are you talking about stiffness, modulus elongation, impact or what. In other words, without an understanding of the engineering involved, you have to trust the designer or gamble that you know better and "up grade" it yourself regardless of the scantlings.

A survey may be a good choice and one that should have been preformed at purchase. It will not tell you if the scantlings are sufficient, for the design brief or SOR on this particular design, but will enlighten you on the quality of the laminates and if you should be concerned about potential issues.

[GordMay]

Ask the designer, Bruce Roberts
BOAT PLANS, CRUISING BOATS,* BRUCE ROBERTS, FOUNDED 1966, OFFICIAL SITE, 200 boat plans & boat kits SAILBOATS, POWER BOATS powerboats steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood epoxy boats