Bluewater Structural Modifications

[Site Administrator]

All,

Since I am deep in the thick of some pretty extensive fiberglass work, I wondered if there were any suggestions as to where I can strengthen the hull and deck for a little heavier offshore sailing:
– thus far I have strengthening the bilge
– stiffening the bow to prevent oil canning in heavy seas
– I’ve the L-shaped galley layout, and the PO put a couple of stainless bars in to hold the deck up amidships where the settees begin. I’m planning on replacing this with a curved support acting like a beam on the cabin top.

Anything else?

Ewan

___
Admin | Pearson424.org
info@pearson424.org

[Rob Osterman]

Ewan,

I’d be interested in this as well.

Rob

[Discoverie]

Very much interested in this topic.  

One item, some have said to reinforced the stern as well. 

I understand that it’s important to not put hard spots into the hull when reinforcing. This means using material with similar flex characteristics as the hull. Read: use vinyl ester not epoxy. Epoxy will have a different flex and in a rough sea hard spots would create local stresses and might pull the reinforcement apart. If P424 hulls were epoxy, that would be another matter. 

Note: this is what I’ve read, I don’t have first hand experience in this area. Would love to hear from those with days of heavy seas experience. 

Roger

Attachments:

1. 4651889569050802376.p7s

[john stevenson]

The wide flat section of the aft portion of the hull certainly will flex.  My surveyor pointed that out to me by pushing the hull with a stick and watching it flex.  The forward section is probably more critical because it will take more punishment in rough seas. 

I have no recommendation for fixing this issue as I made two Atlantic crossing on the original hull.  I'd rather be lucky than good.

Regards,
John Stevenson
http://www.svsarah.com
Sarah's Blog

[kalinowski]

I’ve long wondered how the throw rugs in my cabin can migrate across the floor.  This flexing could be the reason.

[RichCarter]

I can’t think of any flat sections aft other than the transom, which is actually pretty thin.  I’ve observed no hull flexing other than the bow which I rebuilt years ago. 

 

If you have a sloop or cutter, the transom chain-plate is poorly attached.

 

Rich

 

[sumocean]

Ewan
Please post a few pictures when you make some progress. I am interested in the beams at the end of the settees and how you plan to integrate these with the existing woodwork. Thanks also for all the work you have done on the website.
Linus

[Author]

Posts