Sabalo build options - some explanation please.

[goanywhere]

Reading the construction manual for the Sabalo, it suggests 3 build options. They deal with where to apply fibreglass cloth and tape.

Can someone explain the main differences between option 2 and 3. Option 1 seems to be the weakest, but what benefits and drawbacks apply with Option 2 & 3?

[jem]

hmm... I need to clean that up. It does sound confusing.

it's basically this:

#1: Fiberglass tape on the seams only. Thicker ply recommended.

#2: Fiberglass tape on all seam except for the deck, which would be covered by fiberglass cloth. Thicker ply for the bottom. Thinner ply for the decking.

#3: cloth for the entire exterior. Taping the seams on the interior.

The difference between #2 and #3 is if a builder didn't want to use as much fiberglass cloth in the build because it's not cheap.

Does that help?

I was commenting to Chuck how the Sabalo remains popular even though it's a 2nd generation design and the most recent SOT I have, the Blue Fin, is a 4th generation. Perhaps I need to add more Sabalo model sizes.

[goanywhere]

So if I'm going to use 4mm throughout what would you suggest? I was thinking option 2 to minimise the fibreglass, and I don't relish glassing the inside, from what I can gather it's not much fun.

I was thinking option 3, tape interior cloth exterior hull and deck. Probably glass the cockpit floor leaving a bit rough. (Maybe some kind of non-slip matting?)

[jem]

If using 4mm, use quality 4mm and cover the bottom with cloth. I'd recommend that the cockpit floor, inside and out, get covered as well. It will experienced localized flexing over it's lifetime.

[goanywhere]

Yes the ply I have bought is Okoume ply nice and even colour and smooth. The guy I bought it from knew what he wanted. The same with the glass cloth, it's light weight but herringbone stitched, very tactile but looks like it will shape easily.

Would it be worth considering double thickness for the ply on the floor of the cockpit? I know it would add some weight but I though I could compensate by cutting circles out of the framing pieces under the cockpit and live well to reduce weight there. I've seen that done in some photos of builds I've seen.

[jem]

it wouldn't hurt be I'd keep it localized to where you sit and maybe where you have through-holes. Weight adds up quickly.

[craiggamesh]

With all my gear on (drysuit, other layers, PFD, boots) I can push 215 pounds or more. I only have one layer of 4 mm okoume in my Sabalo cockpit and there is no give. It is a very solid floor. I fiberglassed both inside and out of the cockpit, though.

[goanywhere]

With all my gear on (drysuit, other layers, PFD, boots) I can push 215 pounds or more. I only have one layer of 4 mm okoume in my Sabalo cockpit and there is no give. It is a very solid floor. I fiberglassed both inside and out of the cockpit, though.

Do you find the floor slippery? I was wondering whether it would be an idea to try to reduce slippage by using some kind of non-slip matting or maybe grit impregnated in the epoxy (like they do on boat decks).

[Bemm 52]

Do you find the floor slippery? I was wondering whether it would be an idea to try to reduce slippage by using some kind of non-slip matting or maybe grit impregnated in the epoxy (like they do on boat decks).

You won't need any non slip it takes a very brave and talented man to stand up in a Sabalo

All the holes I cut in my frame did'nt make much difference in the total weight at the end of the day......extras add weight......hobie hatches are supprisingly heavy although easy to use........If I was to do it all again I would try to nut out some ply hatch covers (much lighter) there are some excellent examples here if you troll thru the posts

Glassing the inside of the hull is not really that difficult to do especialy if you've got good cloth...........................are you in SA by any chance?

Good Luck with the build ..enjoy

Cheers Paul

[goanywhere]

Yes. Flagstaff Hill. You?

I intend to make some hatch covers from cut-out ply. I have seen some great examples and there are quite a few tutorials around on the net if you go looking.

When you say it takes a brave man to stand up in a Sabalo, do you mean that it is unstable?