QUESTION: What is the Multi-Bulkhead Bonding System™? |
ANSWER: A labor-intensive construction method by which floors, stringers, bulkheads, shelves, and frames are bonded with heavy fiberglass laminates. Resulting in a solid strong matrix. Primary sea, keel, and rig loads are spread over the entire hull, preventing concentrated point loading. |
Multi-Bulkhead Bonding System™ |
A. For strength, no large interior fiberglass liners or fiberglass pans are used with this construction method. |
B. The main salon area is an example of how all LRC models are built. Note how every horizontal and vertical surface is taped into position for tremendous strength. |
C. A bulkhead being glassed in place, top to bottom, with no fiberglass pans or liners to obstruct the bonding process. |
From "Offshore Yachts" by John Rousmaniere |
“The hull must be locally strengthened to withstand loads imposed by
the mast and rigging, the ballast keel, and the rudder (if skeg-mounted
or spade). All these loads must be spread out over an area as large as
practicable. Bulkheads and vertical floors are the best way to
distribute the stresses from ballast weight and mast compression. Bulkheads required by the interior accommodations can do double duty and will contribute greatly to the structural integrity of the hull and deck if they are installed as true structural members rather than simple partitions. Considerable strength is gained this way, at very little expense in weight.” |
From “The IBEX Report” by Steve Callahan for Cruising World magazine |
“All internal structures-- bulkheads, floors, longitudinals, even
furniture, should be structurally tied together and to the hull wherever
feasible. Rob Schofield, N.A., a composites and structural specialist, says bulkheads and other components that meet the hull must be tabbed in on both sides. “Peel is the big enemy,” he says. “Glass is very strong in tension and compression, but you most easily peel it. Tabbing on one edge alone just doesn’t cut.” |