Deck/hull joint

[TheOrs]

I've been following a few threads where the joining method between the deck and hull has been discussed.

Jonny mentioned that his Fletcher was stapled together. I knew that I had seen my join and it was laminated across, so I wasn't too bothered.

However, having had another look I can see it's only laminated over in the cockpit area, which is about 35% of the total length of the join. I intend to laminate some more of the join, but whilst looking at it again today I noticed that on the hull there is a band of heavy mat that runs along the upper part of the hull and tucks in under the join. My guess is that this was applied after the hull was pulled from the mould and just prior to the two halves being joined, so that it would 'stick' them together.

My questions are:

<b>Is this what's known as 'Wet Laminate Bonding'?</b>

&

<b>Does this make for a strong joint?</b>

Cheers

 

[Gav]

yes it is called "wet bonding" and its a good strong method of bonding hull/deck together. however the inside of this bond should be bonded over all around the boat not just the cockpit area!

 

[TheOrs]

however the inside of this bond should be bonded over all around the boat not just the cockpit area!

Oh dear, looks like I'm going to have to do my Eugene Toombs impression again. I remember crawling through the locker flap up to the bow once before, in order to fit the nav lamp on the bow. Crimping a couple of wires was enough of a chore; laminating under there is going to be deep joy! Lucky I'm a shortarse!

I guess the joint must be fairly strong 'cause the boat's 12 years old now and my teeth and back have certainly suffered a few times out there. Problem is, now I know it's not done properly I won't be able to relax until it is.

Joys of boating!