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Designing Our First Deck Panels + Installing Carbon Beams - Ep. 440 RAN Sailing

May 9, 2025 · 26 min · 113K views · Skåne

What this video covers

The construction of the forward deck begins with the test-fitting and alignment of carbon fiber beams across the boat's bulkheads.3:09 To ensure structural integrity, the beams are positioned to form a straight line at the center, with a 1.5 to 2-millimeter gap left for thickened epoxy bonding.6:56 The beams, measuring 50 millimeters in height with a 2.7-meter span, show minimal deflection under load.4:57 Unidirectional carbon fiber is used to maximize longitudinal strength, rather than a weave, which provides the necessary stiffness for the deck structure.14:26 Design files for the deck panels are prepared using 3D software, incorporating cutouts for high-compressive-strength inserts—likely sapele—at the mounting points for cleats and the windlass.18:57 These inserts replace the standard PET foam core to prevent crushing under bolt loads.19:45 The project requires approximately 60 sheets of PET foam, totaling 180 square meters of material for the entire vessel.20:24 Proper alignment of beams and bulkheads ensures a flush fit for the sandwich panels before final lamination.6:45

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