MJ Sailingvideo
CATAMARAN BUILD – Reinforcing Our Cockpit Bulkhead (MJ Sailing – Ep 196)
July 25, 2021 · 26 min · 92K views
What this video covers
Reinforcing the cockpit bulkhead of a 42-foot catamaran requires multiple layers of fiberglass to manage structural loads near the aft bunk entrance and chain plates.0:17 The builders apply four strips of unidirectional fiberglass vertically along the outer hull to resist upward tension forces, followed by layers of 090 biaxial and 45-45 double bias cloth.5:22 To ensure a proper bond, the surface receives a styrene wipe before resin application.4:37 Metal rollers are used extensively to remove air bubbles trapped within the thick 090 mesh, which the builders note is difficult to work with and prone to air pockets.18:41 The process involves precise cutting of peel ply and careful management of resin curing times, which are adjusted based on ambient temperatures inside the construction tent. After curing, surface imperfections and air spots are sanded back to prepare for fairing.8:28 The project also includes a tribute to project patrons by painting their names inside a future sail storage locker.24:05
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