The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction - WEST SYSTEM Epoxy

Chapter 27 – Deck Construction 343
Laminated Deck Beams
More traditional laminated beams serve as the main
support of the deck framework shown in Figure 27-11.
<strong>The</strong> unusual shape of this deck made the longitudinal
beam concept impractical. We lofted the heavily curved
blister deck to determine the correct shape of each beam
and then laminated the beams on the lofting floor using
the block-on-floor method described in Chapter 11.
Because it’s difficult to work on the undersides of decks,
we prefinish all deck framing members. In this case, we
shaped and coated the laminated beams and installed
them with triangular notches at the sheers. To set each
beam in proper position, we used the sheer dimensions
on each side and the height at the centerline as reference
points, measuring the height from a string that ran
Figure 27-10 Laminated deck beams with centerline blocking
and a hardwood cap. At right are blocking and a stanchion for
a deck-stepped spar.
Figure 27-11 Laminated frames and 1" � 3 ⁄4" (25mm �
18mm) stringers used as framing for a blister-type deck on
a 1 ⁄2 ton racer. Note the plywood mast partner for a keelstepped
spar.
parallel to the waterline on the interior of the boat.
Using standard hull fairing techniques, we faired the
beams and notched smaller 1" � 3 ⁄4" (25mm � 18mm)
longitudinal stringers into each one. <strong>The</strong> deck had too
much compound curvature to be covered with sheet
ply, so we laminated two layers of 12" wide, 3 ⁄16" (5mm)
plywood strips for a total deck thickness of 3 ⁄8" (9mm).
Cockpit Construction and Installation
Before installing any deck framework, we usually build
the cockpit and set it in position. In most cases, it’s
easier to fit deck framing around the cockpit than to fit
the cockpit around deck beams. Even if the two
methods were equal, it’s usually easier to fabricate the
cockpit on the shop floor and install it as a unit than it
is to build it from many pieces inside the cramped
working quarters of the hull.
Figure 27-12 A cockpit assembly constructed outside the hull.
Figure 27-13 An unusual slingshot-shaped cockpit is set in
place on Golden Dazy. It is trued up with temporary bracing
and blocking. <strong>The</strong>n the deck framework is installed around its
perimeter.