I've seen a quote, though I can't find it now, attributed to Per Brohall, that some owners may want to stiffen the hull by adding "ring frames" and stringers in the bow "where she pounds going to weather". I understand the method, PVC pipe bent against the hull from the sheer to the bilge, a foam wedge either side to avoid hard spots, and covered with glass tape and resin. I am not clear as to the placement though. The half bulkhead directly aft the bow water tank is glassed to the hull, as is the next one back, which separates the bilge from the cabin sole, and it appears this was part of the original construction. I think I remember the suggestion was to add two ring frames and two stringers. I could place one frame between the two half bulkheads and had planned on one below the bow water tank, but that doesn't work as the tank rests tight to the hull. I think that leaves running the PVC from the sheer down to the tab on the hull above the tank, where the bunk is fastened. I would like to lengthen the stringer tabs forward, those that separates the sole from the bilge, extending them to the water tank bulkhead. That would make it possible to divide this area into 3 smaller bins. New stringers would run midway between the sole and chine and from the tank bulkhead to the forward most toilet bulkhead, or should they extend farther aft? Is this pretty much what Per Brohall meant?
Craig Tern #1519
Craig Tern #1519