Electronic box layup

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by JSthebuilder, Jun 1, 2021.

  1. JSthebuilder
    Joined: Jun 2021
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: South Florida

    JSthebuilder New Member

    Hello there,
    I've been reading and learning from this forum for a while and I decided to register to get some direct feedback. Thank you in advance.
    I want to build this electronics box to be hanged from a T-top to replace the aluminum box that was full of holes from previous owners. I built an MDF female mold of roughly 33"x 10" x 15" which is already gel-coated and everything but I'm having doubts about the layup. I'm afraid the box will be too heavy for the application. I was planning on using the following layup schedule:
    1. 1.5 oz csm
    2. 1708 biaxial
    3. 1/2 foam core (top and bottom only)
    4. 1708 biaxial
    5. 1.5 oz csm
    I've read from other people building ice chests with similar layup schedules so I think I'd be overbuilding it. Any suggestions to make this electronics box lighter while keeping it strong and stiff enough to be hanged with some electronics inside?
     
  2. KD8NPB
    Joined: Mar 2018
    Posts: 162
    Likes: 39, Points: 28
    Location: South Carolina

    KD8NPB Senior Member

    Little overkill.

    personal approach;
    Skin
    1.5 oz CSM

    Bulk sides
    1.5 oz CSM (3x)

    Bulk bottom
    1.5 oz CSM
    4mm coremat (sub 1/2” foam core if screwing in to)
    1.5 oz CSM
     
  3. JSthebuilder
    Joined: Jun 2021
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: South Florida

    JSthebuilder New Member

    Thank you for your feedback.
    I already laid the first 1.5 oz CSM and 1708 all-around plus a 3/8 foam core at the bottom. It got heavy quickly. I think I'll leave it at that, finishing it with another 1.5 oz CSM.
     
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