Glue support members to hull sides?

[msteimer]

Guys,

On my B35 there are two beams that support the salon floor running full width from hull side to hull side. They were originally tabbed to the hull with a gap between the beam and hull. I've rebuilt them and tabbed them in on the sides of the beam with a 1/4" gap between the beam and hull on both sides. Before I tab in top and bottom, I just wanted to make sure I shouldn't fill the gap with thickened epoxy.

Is the rule with these the same as bulkheads and stringers where I should leave a gap to prevent hard spots? I've heard it done both ways and wanted to get input from the sandbox.

Thanks,
Mark

[CaptPatrick]

Mark,

Any transverse bulkhead, beam, or other fixed item that intersects with the hull must have a space to prevent a hard spot. If it is necessary to actually connect the two points, do so with a radiused tab. A hard spot, in this case, is defined as a spot where the normal flexing of the hull is stopped thereby concentrating all forces at point. This leads to cracked paint and even fiberglass damage/failure.

[msteimer]

Capt Patrick, that's just what I needed...thank you.