Fiberglass And Hull Information; Equipment Installation - Four winns 338 Vista Owner's Manual

P - 1 HULL DESIGN INFORMATION
Four Winns boats are designed using the sound
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engineering and mathematical prin ciples 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 deter mined in ac cor dance
with the strength and rigidity re quired.
P - 2 FIBERGLASS CON STRUCTION
The fiberglass components of Four Winns
are of the finest quality materials, work manship
and construction techniques avail able. This en sures
the structural integrity to provide years of boating
enjoyment with minimal mainte n ance.
The construction of a Four Winns
the application of gel coat to the mold. The gel coat
is approximately 25 mils thick. A coat of resin and
chopped fiberglass is then sprayed into the hull and
carefully hand rolled until it is se curely affixed to
the gel coat.
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. Most Vista
utilize encapsulated end-grain balsa core or coremat
laminates to achieve additional rigidi ty. Others utilize
ad ditional laminations of woven roving to main tain
strength and rigidity.
The hull support stringers are located using spe cial
tools, and are fiberglassed and/or bonded into place.
This en sures a strong, rigid hull, permanently formed
into a solid as sembly, free of distor tions.
Fiberglass cockpit liners and seat base are construct-
ed similar to the hull. Balsa core or coremat lamin-
ations are utilized when necessary.
In addition to a thorough visual inspection of each
fiberglass component, samples are mea sured using
special equipment, for fiberglass reinforce ment to
resin ratio, laminate configura tion, weight and thick-
ness. By these procedures Four Winns ensures
proper com position.
Exterior Equipment - Section P
boats
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hull be gins with
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models
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Fiberglass and Hull Information

P - 3

EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION

Many boats are used for specific purposes or under
conditions which require the ad dition of special
equipment to the hull or deck. Special care must be
taken during the installation of any equi pment to a
fiberglass com ponent. A polysulfide or butyl based
sealant should be used to seal installations below the
water line. Silicone "marine" seal or similar bed ding
compound should be used elsewhere.
NOTICE
DO NOT in stall any item on to or through the
hull without adequately sealing the hull area
penetrat ed by the installed item or related
fas teners. Improper instal lations could cause
leakage or allow water ab sorption and thus
cause serious hull dam age.
Always pre-drill fastening holes with a proper
size bit. Pre-drilling will help pre vent the
fiber glass 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 fiberglass compo nent. A butt block or backing
plate should be used to strengthen any area onto
which an item will be mounted.
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.
Four Winns utilizes fade-fighting gel coat in the
exterior finish. It is specially formulat ed to resist fading
and yellowing, and retain more of its original gloss
than better grade gel coats. However, it is still impor-
tant to maintain the gel coat to protect the finish.
A. Gen eral Mai nte n ance
For fresh water use, the boat should be washed once
or twice a month. When using in a salt water environ-
ment, considerable more care will be necessary.
Be careful when selecting a cleaning agent. Hand dish
Owner's Manual Page 162