Fabrication of a fiberglass prototype boat

Abstract

Research described here is aimed at providing sufficient data to be capable to design and fabricate a boat using fiberglass suitable for one person. The study starts with a brief review on the history of boats, their different materials selection and fabrication throughout time. Our material of choice was fiberglass due to the simplicity of the required tools, the easy to learn process and the availability of its mold. Next, a design of the boat was made, a boat of 261 cm length, 91cm width and 45cm height is fabricated. Following, safety measures are the most important issue to take into consideration; stability study was conducted to ensure the security of the boat under various conditions. Then, reparation of the mold was completed and the fabrication was taking place at Beirut international. Finally, our fiberglass prototype boat weighted 70 Kg and is capable to carry on 91 Kg. The boat is now ready for further testing.