firbeglassing boat hulls

[rcden]

I'm wanting to start making my own model boat hulls but don't know where to start.
I have a boat hull that I bought and I'm wanting to copy it to make a similiar hull.
How do I make a mould of this boat I already have?

What grades of fibreglass should I use?

And what procedures do I take to begin making my own boat hull?

Thank you for your help :)

[martin richards]

If you're thinking of selling the hulls, your current model could be protected by copyright,, so check that side of it first.

[rcden]

Thanks for that. What about making a hull from scratch, how do I go about making a mould?

[martin richards]

First, assuming you've got a perfectly finished and suitably strong prototype, check that ypu've got no awkard angles that'll make removing it from the mould complicated or impossible. Then apply a mould relese agent to your prototype and cover after with glass and resin. For this part chopped stand glass is ok and it's fine to be overgenorous in the application (3-4 coats) but be sure to work the resin and glass into every nook and cranny. Leave to set for at least 48 hours and then carefully work the prototype free of the mould.
You should then have a female mould with few imperfections. However, it's worthwhile spending some time perfecting the female with much sanding, filling and polishing.
In making the male hull, again the coat of release agent, but follow it with a pigmented gel coat before applying any glass. As soon as it feels dry to the touch, you can start applying the glass and no more resin than enough to completely soak the glass. Because of the geometry of hull shapes, it's essential to ensure that the glass fills all the corners, especially around the transom and keel and that it follows the contours of the female. These are the areas where pinholes usually appear if the lay-up is not carefully done.
There are probably thousands of web-pages with much more detailed instructions and it would be worthwhile browsing through a few. After all, it's much cheaper learning from someone else's mistakes;)

[dksdust]

rcden , email me and I'll walk you through how to make your own F/G hull . I make fiberglass r/c shallow v drag boats .

Dana

[wingnut163]

try this sight.
http://www.nw.com.au/~jspence/Mad_About_Multihulls/quickbui.htm
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