Modern construction techniques

    Along with these new materials came new techniques such as cold molding and "stitch and glue" that would not be possible or practical without modern epoxy systems. In cold molding, a shell of alternating diagonal layers of veneers bonded with epoxy is shaped on a mold, forming in essence a molded plywood hull. It creates a hull that is strong, light weight, and requires very little framework.

    "Stitch and Glue" is a plywood construction method that uses the shape of the plywood panels to define the hull's shape. The panels are fastened together at their edges with short lengths of soft wire or plastic wire ties, which hold the panels in alignment. The joints are then bonded with a fillet of thickened epoxy which replaces the chines and many other solid wooden parts. After the epoxy has hardened, the tie wires are removed, and the seams are fiberglassed inside and out. Many boatbuilders and designers have designed for stitch-and-glue construction, creating boats that are strong and attractive yet easily built by the amateur.

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