6' Polymer

[graywhale]

Getting ready to install a 6x12 sheet of polymer and it has a welded seam down the middle.(didn't know it until unwrapping it) Two questions, 1- Has anybody had any issues with the welded seam? 2- Can I drill and install bolt through the seam without damaging it?

 

[Slidin Gator]

Which direction does the seam run? Not such a big deal if it runs along the center length of the hull. But if it runs port to stbd the weld could fail turning into an instant water brake (I have heard some stories). In that case I suggest you treat it as 2 different sheets patched in if you want to proceed.

On a hull I am working on now, it had poly patched in with a seam running port to stbd (no weld). The edges were secured with rivets every 2", about 1/2" from the edge. I will be filling these holes with flat head rivets and installing a single sheet.

 

[Gladesman06]

I could agree more with Sliden Gator. I have personally seen 3 boats that had welded poly separate at the seam while running. One of them it threw both people out of the boat. One of the other boats it acted like a brake and stood the boat on its nose, by the grace of God it didn't flip over. Make sure you bolt or rivet close to the weld seem on both sides of the seem no matter what direction the weld runs. This way if the weld does fall the poly won't come loss.

 

[graywhale]

Thanks. It's running down the middle and I spoke to Panther were I got it and was told they use it on the new boats andW haven't had any problems. I will be keeping bolts close to it. I'm old school and check boat out before each trip and also wash boat afterwards.(including the bottom) By doing this I saved myself once, polymer had split cross ways, which I caught before leaving the house.