Fiberglass and Hull
P - 1 HULL DESIGN INFORMATION
P - 3 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
Four Winns
®
boats are designed using the sound
Many boats are used for specific purposes or under
conditions which require the addition of special equip-
ment to the hull or deck. Special care must be taken
during the installation of any equipment to a fiberglass
component. A polysulfide or butyl based sealant
should be used to seal installations below the water
line. Silicone “marine” seal or similar bedding com-
pound should be used elsewhere.
engineering and mathematical principles of hydro-
statics, hydrodynamics, structure, and strength of
materials. The materials utilized provide optimum
strength at the lightest possible weight. The exact
fiberglass laminate schedule and construction tech-
niques of each part is determined in accordance
with the strength and rigidity required.
NOTICE
P - 2 FIBERGLASS CONSTRUCTION
DO NOT install any item onto or through the
hull without adequately sealing the hull area
penetrated by the installed item or related
fasteners. Improper installations could cause
leakage or allow water absorption and thus
cause serious hull damage.
The fiberglass components of Four Winns boats
®
are of the finest quality materials, workmanship and
construction techniques available. This ensures the
structural integrity to provide years of boating enjoy-
ment with minimal maintenance.
Always predrill fastening holes with a proper
size bit. Predrilling will help prevent the
fiberglass from splintering and thus causing
unsightly damage. Also, countersink holes to
prevent the gel coat from chipping.
The construction of a Four Winns hull begins with the
®
application of gel coat to the mold. The gel coat is ap-
proximately 25 mils thick. A coat of resin and chopped
fiberglass is then sprayed into the hull and carefully
hand rolled until it is securely affixed to the gel coat.
Any equipment which will be subjected to cyclic load-
ing or significant force should be through-bolted to
a fiberglass component. A butt block or backing plate
should be used to strengthen any area onto which
an item will be mounted.
A number of fiberglass layers and woven roving are
applied to the above laminate. Each layer is hand-
laid and hand-rolled. The keel and chine areas have
fiberglass woven roving overlapped in these areas to
provide additional strength. Some models utilize en-
capsulated end-grain balsa core or coremat laminates
to achieve additional rigidity. Others utilize additional
laminations of woven roving to maintain strength and
rigidity.
P - 4 FIBERGLASS CARE & MAINTENANCE
Fiberglass is affected by weathering processes and
requires maintenance on a periodic basis to help
maintain the beauty and shine. The effects upon the
gel coat will be dependent upon boating conditions,
storage, type of use, and the care given to the boat
during the boating season.
The hull support stringers are located using special
tools, and are fiberglassed/bonded into place. This
ensures a strong, rigid hull, permanently formed into
a solid assembly, free of distortions.
Fiberglass cockpit liners and seat base are construct-
ed similar to the hull. Balsa core or coremat lamin-
ations are utilized when necessary.
Four Winns utilizes fade-fighting gel coat in the
®
exterior finish. It is specially formulated to resist fading
and yellowing, and retain more of its original gloss
than lesser grade gel coats. However, it is still impor-
tant to maintain the gel coat to protect the finish.
In addition to a thorough visual inspection of each
fiberglass component, samples are measured us-
ing special equipment, for fiberglass reinforcement
to resin ratio, laminate configuration, weight and
thickness. By these procedures Four Winns ensures
proper composition.
A. General Maintenance
For freshwater use, the boat should be washed
once or twice a month. When using in a salt water
environment, considerably more care will be neces-
sary. Be careful when selecting a cleaning agent.
Hand dishwashing detergents are usually gentle
and are recommended for cleaning gel coat.
Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
Owner’s Manual Page 116
| Categories | Four Winns Manuals, Four Winns SL-Series Manuals, Outboard Marine Corporation Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Four Winns SL |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Download File |
|
| Document Type | Owner's Manual |
| Language | English |
| Product Brand | Boats and Cruisers, Four Winns. For support contact your dealer at http://www.fourwinns.com/locate-dealer.aspx |
| Document File Type | |
| Publisher | fourwinns.com |
| Wikipedia's Page | Outboard Marine Corporation |
| Copyright | Attribution Non-commercial |
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