HUGE Milestone- Carbon Fiber Hardtop and Hard Dodger Installed (13)
January 18, 2025 · 27 min · 77K views
What this video covers
Fabricating a custom carbon fiber hardtop and hard dodger for a sailboat involves extensive shop-based composite work, including sanding, fairing, and multiple carbon fiber layups. The process requires creating foam-core molds for complex shapes, such as rain gutters and window framing, which are then reinforced with carbon fiber and epoxy. The team uses PVC pipe as a mandrel to create custom conduits for wiring, which are later integrated into the structure. After curing, the large, awkward components are transported to the boat for final installation.25:15 The rear arch is temporarily mounted using the boom for support, then permanently bolted through the deck.10:51 The team faces challenges with material adhesion, specifically hot glue failing during the curing process, and the physical difficulty of maneuvering large, lightweight but bulky composite structures.18:24 The project concludes with the successful placement of the hardtop on the boat, requiring precise alignment and structural bonding to the deck.27:14
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