Layups for homemade pwc

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by racer4401, Sep 29, 2008.

  1. racer4401
    Joined: Sep 2008
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    Location: here nor there

    racer4401 New Member

    Looking to put together a homemade small pwc. I will be hand lay/bagging, and goal for the project is as light as possible and as strong as practical. Prepreg is not an option due to cost. Boat use will be limited (not daily driver) and I am willing to sacrafice small object impact protection for weight savings. Will not be used in ocean for big wave jumping. But needs to be able to jump small wake and stay in one peice for a few seasons.

    Here is the layup I plan on panel testing this week:

    8.9oz S-2 Glass cloth
    4.8oz Kevlar
    8.3oz Carbon
    Divinymat
    8.3oz Carbon (will do one panel without this layer for testing)
    4.8oz Kevlar
    4.8oz Kevlar
    8.9oz S-2 Glass cloth (will do one panel without this layer for testing)

    Thoughts? Any suggestions to substitue materials? Will also do some 11oz carbon tape reinforcements in selective stress points.

    THANKS!
     
  2. JRL
    Joined: May 2007
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    Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL

    JRL Im with stupid

    Not sure why you want to mix S glass in the layup? Im a big fan of S glass, but not sure why its needed if your going for "light as possible".

    I would also consider making another panel using 11oz carbon instead of 8.9oz. Ive made some un-bendable panels using 5 layers of 11oz carbon, and 1 layer of 8.8oz 4x4 (just for cosmetics), with a closed cell foam core. The thickness was around 1/8" where the 6 plies met. Definitely keep the kevlar.
     
  3. racer4401
    Joined: Sep 2008
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    racer4401 New Member

    JRL,

    Thanks so much for the feedback! Only reason I was using the Sglass was because I had a ton of it left. I have been messing with glass and kevlar for while, but I will admit I haven't logged enough time with cf. But thats exactly why I posted this up here. I was looking for feedback and ideas like this! I will DEF pickup a few yards of 11oz to test with. I would much rather go with a lighter material/less plies! I plan on doing a few panels oct 11th weekend and will report back.

    Thanks again I really do appreciate the feedback.
     
  4. BSR001
    Joined: Sep 2008
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    BSR001 Junior Member

    what kind of hull and whats the use for racing or freestyle.Ive built several freestyle hulls out of Sglass and the weight was 70lbs reinforced and all the mounts in?i would be more than glad to let you know what has worked for me in the past.right now im doin new stuff with vac bagging and its getting lighter and stronger
     
  5. racer4401
    Joined: Sep 2008
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    racer4401 New Member

    Hull is just for rec/freeride. I want to do an X2 and a SJ. Currently working on an X2 plug. I am going to do one or two tests with sglass (before I chance screwing up a $$$$ carbon/kevlar layup) so I am DEFINETLY interested in your past SJ layup!

    My vac pump shipping was delayed, so I am stuck sanding for now.
     

  6. splashgordon
    Joined: Oct 2008
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    Location: florida

    splashgordon Junior Member

    could you guys recommend a schedule for a standup hood? sj or sxr.

    does the carbon add that much strength? I just figured most use it for looks. I know it is stronger and lighter but not by much given the cost. especially on a small part. please correct me if I am wrong that is why I am here asking newb questions.

    I have dabbled in making a few parts but its limited to poly, vinylester, epoxy and have used biax, chop and now am really liking the cloth. it takes more thin layers but it goes down so much nicer than the heavy biax I have previously played with.

    I am ready to make some more parts and would like to make them strong or stronger than stock and try to make them lighter too. ask for much.

    I have never used the foam core material but I did purchase some stuff just haven't got around to using it. how does this help? how do you get it to lay in a bowl shaped mold?

    thanks, and if I need to move this to a new post I will, I am new here and just happened to trip across a thread related to pwc. which is what I am interested in.
     
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