Specifications
FIBERGLASS HULL &
COMPONENTS
L-1
GENERAL
Carver boats are designed using the sound engineering
and mathematical principles of hydrostatics, structure,
and strength of materials. The structural integrity and
performance characteristics most often desired
in
each
model style can thus be optimized. The exact fiberglass
laminate schedule and construction techniques of each
part is determined in accordance with the strength and
rigidity required.
Carver boats utilize a modified
or
deep V-hull construc-
tion. The sharp V of the hull at the stem will cut thewater
cleanly to soften the ride in rough water. The strakes in
the hull' are designed to provide additionallitt for easier
planing, more stability and to help soften the ride.
Carver Boat Corporation
believes the Carver hull de-
signs optimize performance and riding qualities, and
permit the most spacious interior layouts
in
today's
cruiser market.
L-2 FIBERGLASS COMPONENT CONSTRUCTION
The fiberglass components of Carver boats are
of
the
finest quality materials, workmanship and construction
techniques available. This ensures the structural uni-
formity and strength to provide years of boating enjoy-
ment with minimal maintenance.
The construction of a Carver
hull begins with the
application of gel coat to the mold. The gel coat
is
approximately 25 mil thick. A coat of chopped fiber-
glass is then sprayed into the hull and hand rolled until
it
is
securely affixed to the gel coat. The coating will
prevent the coarser texture of the later applied fiber-
glass laminates from showing through and spoiling the
appearance of the hull.
A number of fiberglass
layers and woven roving are ap-
plied
to
the above lamin'ate. Each layer
is
hand layed
and hand rolled. The keel and chine areas
have
fiberglass woven roving overlapped in these areas to
provide additional strength. Additional laminations
to
the strake areas add rigidity to the assembly and con-
siderably reduces the possibility of fiberglass
voids.
Some models utilize encapsu lated end-grain balsa core
or coremat laminates to achieve additional rigidity
..
Others, utilize additional laminations of woven raven to
maintain strength and rigidity.
The hull support stringers are located using special
tools, and are fiberglassed into place. This ensures a
strong, rigid,
hull permanently formed into a solid as-
sembly, free of distortions.
Fiberglass cockpit liners, decks, cabins, and command
bridges are constructed similar to the hull. Balsa core
or coremat laminations are utilized when necessary.
Besides athorough visual inspection of each fiberglass
component, samples are tested using special equip-
ment. By these procedures Carver ensures proper
composition. Special equipment is also used
to
monitor
laminate thickness.
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ADDtTIONAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
Many boats are used for specific purposes or under
conditions which require the addition
of
special equip-
ment to the hull, decks or cabin areas. Special care
must be taken during the installation of any equipment
to a fiberglass component. Silicone "marine" seal or
other similar bedding compounds should be used to
prevent water leakage around any
installed item.
IMPORTANT: Do Not instaltany item onto
or
through
the hull without adequately sealing the hull area pene-
trated by the installed item or related fastenings. Im-
proper installations could cause leakage or allowwater
absorption into the balsa core and thus cause serious
hull damage.
Any equipment which will be subjected to cyclic loading
or
directional forces should be through-bolted to a
fiberglass component. A butt block
or
backing plate
should
be
used to strengthen any area
Qnto
which
an
item will be mounted.
IMPORTANT: Always pre-drill fastening holes with a
proper size bit. Pre-driling will help prevent the fiber-
glass from splintering and thus causing unsightly
damage.
L-4 FIBERGLASS CARE
Though fiberglass is weather resistant and does not
require the considerable amount of labor that a wood
hull does, some care
is
necessary. Periodic washing of
all fiberglass areas will maintain the beauty and original
shine. Caution should be exercised when selecting a
cleaning agent. Certain cleaning agents are too caustic
and can cause permanent damage
or
discoloration
to
the gel coat. Do not use acetone or strong alkaline
based detergents, nor cleaners with a "gritty" and
abrasive texture. Avoid products which contain so-
OMSB
L1
CARVER