Cast for small wood boat

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by Speedmaniac, Jul 14, 2016.

  1. Speedmaniac
    Joined: Jul 2016
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Petersburg Ak

    Speedmaniac New Member

    Hey, I hope I'm in the right forum, ( I'm new as of a few minuets ago). So I made this little wood speedboat and put one layer of cloth and resin on the bottom, but I was wondering if there was someway to use the boat as a cast of the bottom and sides (one piece) but be able to still use the original (wood) boat. I have little knowledge of fiberglassing and resin but I have done some work with cloth and resin. ( the bottom and seams of the wood speedboat)
    Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2016
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,790
    Likes: 1,714, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    Sure, you can make a mold of anything. The boat itself won't be damaged.
     
  3. Speedmaniac
    Joined: Jul 2016
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Petersburg Ak

    Speedmaniac New Member

    K, thanks! Do you know where I would I find the info do do this?
     
  4. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,790
    Likes: 1,714, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    If you only have a little knowledge of fiberglass and laminating, it would be better to hire a professional. First they need to figure out all the structural design for the fiberglass version. The mold also needs to be reinforced and have structural supports so it doesn't deform as you laminate a boat inside of it. Also, the original boat has to be faired, because any imperfection will become part of the mold. Finally, the initial cost of all that will be relatively high. It takes several boats to break even.
     

  5. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
    Posts: 19,126
    Likes: 498, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3967
    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    A 'glass version of a small wooden boat will be heavier for the same strength and stiffness of the wooden one.

    You can use the boat as a plug (male element to make a female mold) or as an armature over which you'll make a female mold or a slightly thicker version of the boat you have, just in 'glass.

    All of these things but huge strains on the origional boat, so some reinforcements should be considered to tolerate these strains. Often the origional boat is all be ruined by this process, particularly if the mold needs to support several castings.

    What are your reasons for doing this? If just looking for a 'glass version of what you got, there are better ways to make a "one off".
     
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.