Fiberglass And Hull - Four winns SL Series Owner's Manual

P - 1 HULL DESIGN INFORMATION
Four Winns ® boats are designed using the sound
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 enjoy-
ment with minimal mainte n ance.
The construction of a Four Winns
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 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. Some models utilize en-
capsulated 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/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 us-
ing special equipment, for fiberglass reinforce ment
to resin ratio, laminate configura tion, weight and
thickness. By these procedures Four Winns ensures
proper com position.
Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
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boats
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Fiberglass and Hull

P - 3 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
Many boats are used for specific purposes or under
conditions which require the ad dition of special equip-
ment 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 com-
pound 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 predrill fastening holes with a proper
size bit. Predrilling 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 load-
ing 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.
utilizes fade-fighting gel coat in the
Four Winns ®
exterior finish. It is specially formulat ed to resist fading
and yellowing, and retain more of its original gloss
than lesser 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 freshwater use, the boat should be washed
once or twice a month. When using in a salt water
environment, considerably more care will be neces-
sary. Be careful when selecting a cleaning agent.
Hand dishwashing detergents are usually gentle
and are recommended for cleaning gel coat.
Owner's Manual Page 116