Fiberglass And Hull Information - Four winns vista Owner's Manual

FIBERGLASS AND HULL INFORMATION

P - 1 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® models include our patented Stable-
Vee™ hull design. Pods on either side of the outdrive
extend the running surface beyond the transom. These
pods, plus the unique distribution of deadrise from tran-
som 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 handling whether on plane,
during turns, or at rest.
P - 2 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
integrity 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, of which the 348 Vista is
one, utilize encapsulated end-grain balsa core or coremat
laminates to achieve additional rigidity. Others utilize ad-
ditional 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.
348 Vista Owner’s Manual
08/01
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,
laminate configuration, weight and thickness. By these
procedures Four Winns ensures proper composition.
P - 3 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 com-
ponent. 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 elsewhere.
NOTICE
DO NOT install any item onto or through the
hull without adequately sealing the hull area
penetrated by the installed item or related fas-
teners. Improper installations could cause leak-
age or allow water absorption and thus cause
serious hull damage.
Always pre-drill fastening holes with a proper
size bit. Pre-drilling will help prevent the fiber-
glass from splintering and thus causing unsightly
damage. 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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