Model IntroductionThe Formula 382 FasTech hull has been in service for some 10 years with steady engineering and component improvements made each year. The boat has a state"of-the-art step-bottom.
Hull Design
A solid fiberglass hull is supported by a one-piece structural grid, laid up separately in its own female mold, which is chemically bonded to the grid. The grid serves a number of structural functions, both at local and global levels. The hull bottom has very few areas that are not directly supported and reinforced by the grid, which greatly increases impact resistance. The design of the grid, including its profile, or height off the bottom of the boat, minimizes hull wracking, which serves to stiffen, as well as strengthen, the whole hull-and-deck structure. Bottom slamming loads (from wave impact) are transmitted throughout the length of the hull by the grid, as well as to the sides of the hull, where shock is partially attenuated and absorbed. The grid system also forms the engine beds aft, with the inboard engine beds an unbroken continuation of the full length stringers integral to the grid.
Vinylester resin, which has superior structural properties to general purpose resin, is used throughout the laminate. The hull-to-deck joint, which is critical to the structural integrity of any boat, but especially in one subjected to great slamming loads such as this one, is bonded with a structural adhesive stronger than the fiberglass itself, and fastened with stainless steel through bolts.
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