Best option for Hull-to-Deck Joint

donnymat · 05-14-2007, 03:20 AM

What is the best way to join a Hull-to-Deck. This method will be used for a 25 footer cabain cruiser. I dont want to screw the hull and deck together as it will start leaking through the joint after some use. What would be the easiest and cost effective method?This method should also not cause leakage.

AMG · 05-14-2007, 04:19 AM

The easiest is the traditional way of having similar horizontal surfaces that you fix with rivets and glue together. If you will use CNC production for the plugs, you can as well go for the shoebox solution which has to be more accurate. Same thing, glue and rivets or the screws/bolts for the rub rail. Between 50 and 70 mm overlap is enough on this size of boat.

The special glue today is usually stronger than the GRP, but you can add a layer of GRP inside if you have access.

donnymat · 05-14-2007, 06:17 AM

Thanks Lars for the info. But i was wondering in the long run wont this lead to leakage of water into the boat through the gaps. Since this is screwed or riveted there could be possibility that it may become loose after some usage and the gaps may increase.

What do you suggest if we glass laminate the joints???or some option like this

AMG · 05-14-2007, 06:34 AM

Did you read this? (Rivets are mainly to keep the deck in place while the glue is hardening...)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMG

The special glue today is usually stronger than the GRP, but you can add a layer of GRP inside if you have access.

donnymat · 05-14-2007, 06:37 AM

Sorry Lars missed that one. Thanks

brianwill · 05-23-2007, 11:23 PM

My boat is constructed with a polyurethane sealant around the entire joint. There are thru-bolts every 8 inches and there is a fiberglass layer over the joint on the inside. This is solid constructiona and I've never had any problems with it.

sequent · 05-24-2007, 12:34 AM

There's some information about hull-to-deck joint here:

http://www.docksidereports.com/hull_to_deck_joint.htm

Dave.

AMG · 05-24-2007, 03:51 AM

Thanks Dave and welcome to YachtForums!

David Pascoe has many useful articles for boat buyers and this one is no exception. However, it is not that recent and the use of special glue and sealants has today replaced the use of bolts and fibreglassing joints in many boats. Even windows and the entire stringer system are glued in place.

This of course has to be made with the right materials and methods!