Fiberglass Transome stairs for AFT cabin

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by mjkkemper, Feb 7, 2011.

  1. mjkkemper
    Joined: Nov 2010
    Posts: 38
    Likes: 4, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 46
    Location: mi

    mjkkemper Junior Member

    I am building a set of stairs leading down to my swimplatform. (86 Carver Aft Cabin)Below is a picture of the plug. I have a quite a bit more work to do ( lip around the bottom edge, Flaring and rounding the corners) anyways this is my second build. The first was a swim platform. The platform was not as complicated in that it was a flat build.

    I had a few questions and would most certainly welcome any advice.

    My tentative layup schedule is as follows

    Polyester gel cot
    1 layer of veil – (polyester resin)
    1 layer of 1.5 oz. copped mat
    1 layer of 3 oz. copped mat
    1 layer of bi-axle
    1 final layer of 3 oz. mat

    No coring material

    A few questions
    1. Will this be adequate for thickness and durability
    2. Will the corners be hard to form the mat and especially the bi-axle around
    3. Should I presoak the fiberglass on the sides so that the resin does not puddle at the bottom
    4. Should I lay up in sections – sides then bottom. If so will this affect the strength of the stairs

    I do not own a chopper gun but if I did (or had someone spay it) would it be better for this particular application? Also if you did use a chopper gun would you hand lay any additional layer or would just spaying a thickness of a ¼ or so be just as strong as a hand lay up

    I would appreciate any feedback on the layup schedule and anything else

    Thank You

    Matt
     

    Attached Files:

  2. tunnels

    tunnels Previous Member

    At a rough guess you almost need to double the layup you have written down !! The area where you step on the tread of the stair will flex so i would suggest you put a core on there , a minimum of 9 mm 5 ply with bevelled edges to Glass over . The rule of thimb with Glass parts you walk on is if it moves people will say its weak and you could gett cracking over time !:D.
     
  3. mjkkemper
    Joined: Nov 2010
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    Location: mi

    mjkkemper Junior Member

    here is a picture of the design
     

    Attached Files:

  4. mjkkemper
    Joined: Nov 2010
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    Location: mi

    mjkkemper Junior Member

    finished the last coat of fiberglass on the stairs and demolded

    Hung it from the rafters and let gravity do the work

    [​IMG]


    set the stairs up on the platform
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  5. mjkkemper
    Joined: Nov 2010
    Posts: 38
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    Location: mi

    mjkkemper Junior Member

    pictures of access door to be installed

    Planning on bolting it on this comming week end ;)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     

  6. mjkkemper
    Joined: Nov 2010
    Posts: 38
    Likes: 4, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 46
    Location: mi

    mjkkemper Junior Member

    all finished
     

    Attached Files:

    • bb.jpg
      bb.jpg
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