Superstructure Design: Combination of Fiberglass Panel and Tubular Structure with Naval Steel Hull

Abstract

Traditionally, a cruising yacht’s superstructure has been built using metallic materials such as steel or aluminum. Superstructures built using steel are heavy, need excessive maintenance and have limitations when building smooth shapes. Aluminum superstructures are lighter and need less maintenance, but still have limitations in building smooth shapes. In addition, aluminum superstructures are more expensive than steel ones. This paper proposes the use of fiberglass laminate composite as a material for superstructure construction and exemplifies the methodology used in the design stage and construction of a 36.80 m length cruising yacht with a steel hull. The methodology includes (1) scantling of structural steel elements and fiberglass panels used for composite lamination, (2) laminating procedure for the elements used for reinforcement to avoid deterioration of the steel structure, and (3) fire resistance recommendations for the composite laminate. The advantages of composite laminate are: structural weight reduction, fuel consumption reduction, apparent increase of wind area, superstructure maintenance cost reduction, and inert behavior with the steel structure that avoids galvanic corrosion.