Fiberglass And Hull Information; Hull Design Information; Fiberglass Construction; Equipment Installation - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

FIBERGLASS AND HULL INFORMATION

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HULL DESIGN INFORMATION

Four Winns® boats are designed using the sound engi-
neering and mathematical principles of hydrostatics, hy-
drodynamics, structure, and strength of materials. The
materials utilized provide optimum strength at the light-
est possible weight. The exact fiberglass laminate sched-
ule and construction techniques of each part is deter-
mined in accordance with the strength and rigidity re-
quired.
All Four Winns Freedom™ and Horizon™ models in-
clude our patented Stable-Vee® hull design. Pods on
either side of the outdrive extend the running surface be-
yond the transom. These pods, plus the unique distri-
bution of deadrise from transom to bow, allows Four Winns
to place more hull in the water than deep-vee designs of
similar length and beam. This results in better boat han-
dling whether on plane, during turns, or at rest.
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FIBERGLASS CONSTRUCTION

The fiberglass components of Four Winns® boats are of
the finest quality materials, workmanship and construc-
tion techniques available. This ensures the structural in-
tegrity to provide years of boating enjoyment with mini-
mal maintenance.
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.
A number of fiberglass layers and woven roving are ap-
plied 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 addi-
tional strength. Some models utilize encapsulated
end-grain balsa core or coremat laminates to achieve
additional rigidity. Others utilize additional laminations of
woven roving to maintain strength and rigidity.
The hull support stringers are located using special tools,
and are fiberglassed into place. This ensures a strong,
rigid hull, permanently formed into a solid assembly, free
of distortions.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
Fiberglass cockpit liners and seat base are constructed
similar to the hull. Balsa core or coremat laminations are
utilized when necessary.
In addition to a thorough visual inspection of each fiber-
glass component, samples are measured using special
equipment, for fiberglass reinforcement to resin ratio, lami-
nate configuration, weight and thickness. By these pro-
cedures Four Winns ensures proper composition.
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EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION

Many boats are used for specific purposes or under con-
ditions which require the addition of special equipment 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 compound should be used else-
where.
NOTICE
DO NOT install any item onto or through the hull
without adequately sealing the hull area penetrat-
ed by the installed item or related fasteners.
Improper installations could cause leakage or
allow water absorption and thus cause serious
hull damage.
Always predrill fastening holes with a proper size
bit. Predrilling will help prevent the fiberglass
from splintering and thus causing unsightly dam-
age. Also, countersink holes to prevent the gel
coat from chipping.
Any equipment which will be subjected to cyclic loading
or significant force should be through-bolted to a fiber-
glass component. A butt block or backing plate should
be used to strengthen any area onto which an item will
be mounted.
Section P
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