He is particularly rankled by critics who claim his methods are quick and dirty. We have the neatest, most tightly controlled plant on the earth, and these boats aren t failing, he said. The lamination schedule calls for a layer of 1-oz. The joint is bonded with 3M 5200 and the seam is covered with a rubber rail. Boats built since spring 1999 have a new deck structure.
Older boats have a balsa-cored deck and companionway hatch.
The new deck is stiffened by a series of solid fiberglass U-shaped beams with an outer flange bonded to the inside of the deck. MacGregor said the new method produces a stronger structure and avoids the problems of rot with balsa. The process also reduces weight by 125 lbs. It is enclosed by a fiberglass module bonded to the hull. This leaves precious little area below the sole for a bilge.