Choosing foam core thickness for 3.6 meter power boat

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by dangtue, Apr 23, 2017.

  1. dangtue
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 13
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Vietnam

    dangtue Junior Member

    Hello everybody,

    I'm going to build a 3.65 meter runabout boat like the photo I've attached, and I want to build it by foam sandwich method. Can you advice me the thickness of PVC foam and how many layers of fiberglass should I use outside the foam?

    Thanks a lot

    PS: The photo is just for explaining what kind of boat I'm building. When I come back home, I will post the photos of the boat I've built
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    So you don't have plans and building instructions ? There is a lot to consider beside the foam thickness and lay-up schedule.
     
  3. Manfred.pech
    Joined: Apr 2010
    Posts: 633
    Likes: 111, Points: 43, Legacy Rep: 319
    Location: EU

    Manfred.pech Senior Member

    If you want to keep it simple and effective please have a look at the posts of "sailhand". He has a lot of experience with 12ft tenders: http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/multihulls/catamaran-tender-replace-rib-50834-3.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFHgh-Xhe2k



    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Weight is about 45 kg
     
  4. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Doesn't seem to be a similar boat to what he has in mind, Manfred !
     
  5. rasorinc
    Joined: Nov 2007
    Posts: 1,853
    Likes: 71, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 896
    Location: OREGON

    rasorinc Senior Member

    You need plans. Look at Glen-L they have several models that look like your picture.
    You can find someone capable to convert specs to composite instead of wood. You
    will have to build a complete mold which is just like another boat.
     
  6. dangtue
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 13
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Vietnam

    dangtue Junior Member

    Thank you for your replies.

    I'm design the boat myself in plywood and It performs quite well in closed water. Now the customers want something lighter so that two people can carry it easily by hands. The problem is that I'm only have experience in plywood not in foam core.
     
  7. dangtue
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 13
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Vietnam

    dangtue Junior Member

    This is the plug I build to prepare for the mold. After finishing the mold, this plug will be used as the big flower pot in a marina.
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    What is going to power it ? It will be hard for two people to carry a 3.6 metre boat very far, so I suppose the weight has to be quite low, the total thickness of glass will have to be kept quite thin, I would guess around 3mm. You should choose a foam that has small pores.
     
  9. Rurudyne
    Joined: Mar 2014
    Posts: 1,170
    Likes: 40, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 155
    Location: North Texas

    Rurudyne Senior Member

    Gerr's scantlings rules in The Elements of Boat Strength will give you conservative, and therefore somewhat heavy but strong, working values. Someone you know among folks building boats in your area may already have this book if you don't want to buy it.
     
  10. dangtue
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 13
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Vietnam

    dangtue Junior Member

    Thanks for your advice!
     
  11. dangtue
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 13
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Vietnam

    dangtue Junior Member

    It will be powered by a 15 HP outboard motor. The real boat will be cut at the transom to give space to the motor.
     

  12. jorgepease
    Joined: Feb 2012
    Posts: 1,620
    Likes: 51, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 75
    Location: Florida

    jorgepease Senior Member

    I used 1/2 in corecell foam for my 22' flats skiff powered by a 115 hp outboard. 48oz of 45/45 and 0/90. It's holding up well, not a fast boat, but I drive her with confidence at 30 knots. On such a small boat I can't see too much weight savings over stitch and glue type construction.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.