Author: Shayne and Anna Key Message: By replacing a heavy, non-structural plywood floor with a custom composite one, we achieved a monumental 75% weight saving in this area—transforming 30kg of dead weight into an 8kg structural component that actively strengthens the hull. In boat building, every kilogram saved is a win. So, when we weighed the old, […]
The Refit Grind: How a 22kg Floor Fits Into a 600kg Weight Loss Read More »
Structural Bulkhead: Building a Return Flange Under the Floor Some weeks the best footage comes from the people who weren’t supposed to be filming. This one belongs to the boys. With a week away at work, Harry and Ollie took over documentation duties aboard Paikea — and there were two genuinely separate projects happening at
Structural Bulkhead: Building a Return Flange Under the Floor Read More »
Structural Cabinetry: When Your Furniture Is Also Your Boat The socks-and-underwear drawer dividers on this boat are also doing structural work. That’s not an accident — it’s the whole design philosophy. Furniture that stiffens the boat The bunk top needed support, and the obvious answer was simple internal framing to hold future pull-out drawers. But
Structural Cabinetry: When Your Furniture Is Also Your Boat Read More »
Laminating a Bulkhead Penetration with a 3D-Printed Plug Every hole through a structural bulkhead is a weak point unless it’s reinforced properly — and reinforcing it properly starts with a plug that comes back out again. Matching laminate to the surrounding skin The basic rule for reinforcing a penetration is straightforward: match the laminate going
Laminating a Bulkhead Penetration with a 3D-Printed Plug Read More »
Topic Overview: This post explains the structural engineering behind making penetrations in boat bulkheads. We’ll dissect why failures happen, using real-world examples, and detail a three-part reinforcement strategy to create a strong, reliable opening that maintains the integrity of the entire structure. Author: Shayne and Anna A bulkhead is not just a wall; it is a primary
The Correct Way to Put a Hole in a Structural Bulkhead Read More »
Topic Overview: This post details the specialized techniques required for successfully vacuum bagging components with polyester resin. We’ll cover fabric preparation, precise resin mixing, bagging strategies for complex shapes, and the crucial steps to prevent volatile boil-out that can ruin a laminate. Author: Shayne and Anna Vacuum bagging is the gold standard for creating high-quality, consolidated composite
Vacuum Bagging with Polyester Resin: A Practical Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls Read More »
