Construction
Every Helms boat is built to last.
The following is a basic over view of our construction process. If
you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Every Helms boat starts with a mirror finished
and waxed mold.
This is what makes your boat shine. The finished part will be
an exact replica of the mold.
The Gelcoat is then applied to the mold surface. This is the
exterior finish of you new boat. The gelcoat serves two main
purposes, first it gives your boat the beautiful glossy finish that
you see on the outside. Second it keeps water from entering
the hull laminate. As you can see in the picture this boat
will have dark blue hull sides. The bottom will be white.
The white glecoat is already on the bottom and blue is applied over
top. The blue helps the laminators see and remove any air
bubbles in the 3 oz. skin coat. which is applied next.
Here one of the layers of glass is rolled out onto the hull.
Each layer is hand rolled to remove any air voids.
In this picture the hull complete and the second piece of transom
core has been clamped in place. Once dry additional layers of glass
will be laminated over the transom and the stringer will be
installed.
This is the stringer on the mold waiting to be installed.
And here it is in the hull. Once it is tabbed in and dry, the
stringer is
filled with closed cell foam. The three cavities formed on
each side as well as the one in front are filled with closed cell
foam after the deck is installed making the boat unsinkable.
The long center line cavity is all fuel tank. The smaller one
behind it is the battery compartment. The last cavity, right in
front of the transom is the bilge area.
Here it is fresh out of the mold, ready for trimming and assembly.
Each hull is allowed to cure for at least 24hours prior to being
pulled from the mold.
Ready for the deck to be installed. The fuel tank is in and
rigging has begun. Because the fuel tank is plastic it is not
foamed in place. Plastic tanks need room to expand and
contract. As you can see in the picture the tank is strapped
down, what you cannot see are the rubber pads on the sides and
bottom that keep it in place and provide padding. |