During transport or winter storage, the hull is exposed to extreme forces for which it was not normally built. High compressive forces are transferred to small surfaces through supports or bracing. If the ratio of the two factors is no longer correct, for example if the boat is too heavy or the bearing surface is too small, this can lead to cracks in the laminate or wood. As the weight of the boat can only be influenced to a limited extent, particular attention should be paid to the support or bracing. Point loads, e.g. due to rollers, supports that are too narrow or transitions that do not fit precisely, must be avoided at all costs.
The best way to guarantee this is with supports that follow the hull exactly. This is quite simple with dinghies. The hull is turned upside down, a separating layer is applied at the appropriate positions and the subsequent support can be laminated on with glass and epoxy.
For boats that cannot be turned easily and for yachts, a little more effort is required. In the YACHT workshop, you can read how precisely fitting supports can be laminated upside down from marine plywood and how large cushions can be made from two-component foam in just a few hours. Issue 9/2014 is available from newsagents from 16 April.
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
