How to Build a Hull From Fiberglass

The hull of a boat sits directly in the water.

A hull is the base of a boat that sits in the water. The hull of a boat can vary in size, depending on the type of boat you have. One of the best materials to use for the hull of a boat is fiberglass, because it is strong and can withstand moisture. The fiberglass hull is installed after the wooden frame is built. When you are constructing a hull from fiberglass, it is necessary to make sure the frame has been properly built before you add the fiberglass directly on top for added protection.

Things You'll Need

• Sawhorses
• Plastic sheathing
• Staples
• Staple gun
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Tin snips

Instructions

1. Inspect the wood frame that has been built for the hull. Check that it is installed properly and there are no loose pieces. Grip the rails and verify they are secure in place. Have a helper pick up one end of the frame and you pick up the other. Turn it upside down and set it on two sawhorses positioned at each end.

2. Cover the entire surface of the wood with a plastic sheathing. This will prevent resin from forming a bond between the wood and the fiberglass. Lay out the sheathing over the boat beginning at the bottom and working to the top. Staple it in place with staples and a staple gun every 8 inches until it is completely covered. Cut off the excess sheathing with a pair of scissors.

3. Lay out the pieces of fiberglass and cut them to size so they can fit the shape of the boat. The boat will have different angles from the front to the back. Set the sheet along the side of the boat and outline where it will need to be cut with a pencil. Cut it to size with tin snips, following carefully along the line.

4. Line the first piece of fiberglass up on the boat and staple it in place with a staple gun. Press it down firmly against the wood underneath and insert a staple every 8 inches, making sure the staple is getting into the wood underneath. Mark and cut the next piece to size. Install it in the exact same manner. Continue until the hull of the boat is covered with fiberglass.

Tips & Warnings

• Tin snips cut similarly to scissors.

References

• Glen: One-Off Fiberglass Foam-sandwich