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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

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.

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