Tech question

[Mitch]

Here's my question: rebuilding a rib or a stringer, which is a stronger fillet a smaller radius or a larger one. Obviously a larger one is easier the fiberglass, but is that the stronger? Thnx for feedback.

[CaptPatrick]

Mitch,

Fillets are the strongest reinforcement that can be added to a angled joint. As illustrated in the following diagram, the surface area of the bond is greatly increased, by the two contact sides of the fillet. The amount of this increased surface area is dependent on the radius of the fillet and the area of the primary bond line. The greater the radius of the fillet, the greater the increase in strength. (http://bertram31.com/proj/tips/epoxy.htm)

[Mitch]

Thnx

[bob lico]

to back up capt patrick the Cigarette boat company designer stated a increase in horizotal strength of 50% for every large fillet as you can see there are two in this oringinal cigarette hull . back in the day would attain 97 to 100mph and if hit a wave wrong fly into air and sometimes hit come down midships (ouch my back hurts thinking about it) they sure don`t build like this anymore.

[Mitch]

Nice boat.. Well as I expected but needed to hear it here Thnx