Glen-L.com

I just want to check that I am interpreting the instructions correctly.

I am building a Monaco and the instruction say to screw the first lamination to the frames and stem with #14 x 3" screws.

The following two laminations are then only held by glue. I assume this is because up forward in particular a fair amount of the sheer is removed during the fairing process.

These instruction appear to be opposite to those for the chine which had the screws going through both layers. Looking at it tonight the chine screws are all going to be in the way during the fairing process.

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Building a Monaco....provisionally called "Serenity"
http://glen-l-monaco.blogspot.com/

My Monaco is in the final stages so I have been there and done that. I fastened the first layer of lamination to the frames, battens chines and sheers with 3/4" bronze #8 flat head wood screws. I used square drive screws as wastage is far less than with the Frearson screwheads. I used a driver-drill with the clutch set low enough to avoid twisting off the screw. I glued the lamination as well as screwing it down. It took about 1500 screws. Each strip of the first layer took several screws. I used 4mm Hydrotek (Meranti) for all three layers of lamination on both bottom and sides an a fourth layer of longitudinal strakes of 1/8" Honduras mahogany. Laminations 2 and 3 and the surface mahogany were fastened with Raptor nylon brads. Everything was encapsulated and adhered with epoxy. I used Poxy-Shield from Glen-L with silica added.

The #14 x 3" screws were used to attach keel to frames and chines and sheers to frames. They are too long for any other use. I used a great many #10 x 2" and #8 x 1 1/2" screws for various junctions and usually glued as well. I used #10 x 2" (and glue) to attach battens to frames. I fastened the deck plywood underlayment to frames, battens and sheers with #8 x 1" screws (and glue). The underlayment is 3/8" Hydrotek. Again, I settled on square drive screw heads. I cannot emphasize enough how much I like the Raptor nail system. We owe Dave Lott a debt of gratitude for bringing it to our attention and demonstrating its successful use. I have gone through about 30,000 nails. I think Dave's score was 22,000.

Laminations 2 and 3 have to be held in place at least until the glue sets. Many builders used T-50 staples and removed them. It is a tedious job and the Raptor nails eliminate it.

Hope this is of some use to you.

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Bill

Built a Monaco named: Princess