Beneteau First 41s5

[40 South]

Hi all

Does the Beneteau First 41s5 have an internal liner?

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by 40 South

Hi all

Does the Beneteau First 41s5 have an internal liner?

Yes...

[40 South]

svHyLyte

Thanks for your response.

Is it a full internal hull liner or partial for the heads?

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by 40 South

svHyLyte

Thanks for your response.

Is it a full internal hull liner or partial for the heads?

The liner extends from the forepeak area to just aft of the engine compartment and extends vertically about 2-1/2 feet above the bilge. The liner is installed in the hull with epoxy resin while the hull remains in the mold and is still "green" to provide a chemical as well as adhesive bond. The liner strengthens and stiffens the hull, particularly in the area of the keel and mast step and provides torsional rigidity that the hull alone, or reinforced with bulkheads alone, cannot provide. As a by-product, the structural liner also ensures the exact alignment of bulkheads and the furniture that provides stiffness and support for the deck. In areas where one normally needs access to the hull, e.g. the bilge sump, the liner is cut away before it is installed in the hull and the edges adhered to the hull with layers of woven roving. Those that decry the building methodology and generally ill informed and lack an engineering background to understand and appreciate the function of the structure. I'm sure the self appointed experts will disagree quite vigorously however.

FWIW...

[40 South]

svHyLyte

Thanks for your detailed response.

How are the head mouldings fitted?

Is there an air gap between the floor pad liner and the hull or are they bonded in contact to form a single unit?

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by 40 South

svHyLyte

Thanks for your detailed response.

How are the head mouldings fitted?

Is there an air gap between the floor pad liner and the hull or are they bonded in contact to form a single unit?

Here Homer Nods... Unfortunately, I am not that familure enough with the exact specifics of the assembly of that particular model to comment. Generally, however, where there is a raised area standing proud of the hull, there will be an air space or gap between the liner and the hull skin (e.g. under the cammode platform). In the floor areas, where the liner is not cut away for access to the hull skin, the liner is solidly in contact with the hull, bonded as mentioned previously. The transverse ribs, that occur at intervals along the length of the liner/hull, are hollow, similar to box beams, with the bonded hull skin forming the "top" of the box. For more detailed information you might look up the Beneteau Owners forum or contact BeneteauUSA directly. Either are pretty good at providing answers. For more on the construct of Beneteau yachts, in general, and photos of the construction process try to find a copy of Ferenc Matea's book "The Worlds Best Boats' which features a long section on Beneteau and/or take a look at the on-line factory tour that BeneteauUSA features on it's web-site which includes (or did) extensive photos of the build process.

Good luck...

[40 South]

svHyLyte

Thanks again for your detailed response.

I'll follow up on the leads you have provided.