How To Build A Fiberglass Boat

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How To Build A Fiberglass Boat
How To Build A Fiberglass Boat

Video: How To Build A Fiberglass Boat

Video: How To Build A Fiberglass Boat
Video: HOW TO BUILD A FIBERGLASS BOAT IN YOUR BACKYARD (Start to Finish) 2024, April
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Not everyone can afford to buy a good boat. There are those who are not satisfied with the samples presented on the market and who want to build a boat on their own, taking into account all their ideas about what it should be.

How to build a fiberglass boat
How to build a fiberglass boat

Instructions

Step 1

First, decide on the construction technology. There are two main ways: in the first, a set of cases is first made, sheathed with thin plywood. Then the finished body is pasted over with several layers of fiberglass. When using the second option, a matrix is made, in which the boat hull is then glued.

Step 2

The first option is suitable for those who build a boat in a single copy. The disadvantage of this method is that the finished body requires a rather laborious processing. The second option requires the consumption of material and time for the manufacture of the matrix, but at the same time it allows you to obtain a body with an ideal surface that only needs painting. It is advisable to use this method for small-scale production, since the matrix remains intact and ready for the construction of the next boat.

Step 3

Having chosen the first method, create, according to the drawings, a set of the hull of the future boat. If this is your first independent construction, choose a set of ready-made blueprints - this will save you from many problems. It is worth building a boat according to your own drawings only after gaining some experience.

Step 4

When building a boat, use only stainless steel fasteners - brass or bronze screws and nails. The used fiberglass must be annealed with a blowtorch (but do not burn it!) To a slight brown tint. Without such treatment, the fiberglass will be poorly impregnated with the polyester or epoxy resins used and the case will be very fragile.

Step 5

When choosing a resin, remember that polyester resins are easier to work with than epoxies, but polyester resins are less durable. To glue the first layers of cladding, you will need fiberglass - that is, coarsely woven fiberglass. For the outer layers of the case, use a satin-weave fiberglass cloth. At the very top there is a fiberglass mesh - a thin fabric of rare weaving, well impregnated with resin.

Step 6

Sand and polish the finished body. This work should be started before the resin has completely hardened. Be sure to work in a respirator, use electrical tools - it is very difficult to handle a large body by hand.

Step 7

When choosing the second option, first make the matrix. To do this, you will need to create a set that is the opposite of the hull of the future boat. Use polyester resins, die wall thickness should not be less than 8 millimeters. The matrix must necessarily have stiffening ribs so that it is not "led". Remember that the quality of the future hull of the boat depends on the quality of the matrix surface.

Step 8

Begin gluing the body in the matrix by applying a separating layer - without it, the body will firmly adhere to the matrix. Use floor wax, petroleum jelly, wax as a separating layer. After its application, the formation of the boat hull begins. A decorative (painted) layer is applied first, its thickness is 0, 4-0, 6 mm. Then layers of fiberglass mesh, fiberglass and fiberglass are sequentially stacked. All layers are carefully rolled to the matrix surface.

Step 9

After the body is formed, it is necessary to install (glue) the inner kit. Do it right in the die, this way will avoid deformations. Make the deck in a separate matrix and connect it to the hull or glue it in place. The case, correctly made in the matrix, does not need additional finishing and painting.

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