The construction method of infusing the hull in three seperate parts is common practise for large multihulls, especially with reverse bow shapes. We're talking the central wingdeck and then the two outer topside moulds.
It's really down to production process as certainly the consrtution is faster to have the 3 main hull parts infused together however the process is actually more difficult.
1370 Hull #1 we did exactly that and laminated the hull in one single part. What we learned from that was that the loading of the topside of the 1370 in a vertical position was both difficult in terms of height for the operators, and also the ability to adhere the layers of dry fibre onto the topside was problematic. The process was successful in terms of infusion however time consuming as a large number of clamps were required to effectively hange the fibres from the gunwale and wrap around the window inserts.
We therefore made the descicion to lay the topsides down horizontally to infuse them on future boats and then join them to the wingdeck after the three components were made. This benefits the production in improving the ergonomic working condition for the composite team; reducing the risk of movement from hanging the laminate verticallly; improving the quality of the product.
How are they joined? FIrstly, we re-engineered the hulls to have a hull centerline join. This construction method is something that we at Seawind have been doing for years on our flagship Seawind 1600. After the seperate parts have been infused, the topsides are stood up whilst still in the mould, brought together and then a central glass taping is done for the full length of the join both inside and out. In the bow areas, this is then gelcoated and faired externally. Below the antifoul line, the exterior joine glassed and faired and painted over. Internally, the hull laminate and foam core are used on the centerline joins.
Around the keel area, the join is vacuum bagged as there are more layers due to its very structural nature.
The structurral properties of a single hull infusion vs three insfused parts are the same as both versions are designed to be sat on their keels both in production and on the hardstand, as well as dealing with all the loads associated with being a catagory A bluewater cruising cat.
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