Pinning the roof to its support poles – Part 2

After adding more temporary supports under the roof overhang, Tom climbed on top to decore three 150mm squares for the glass blocks.

Then the glass blocks were inserted…

…and the sanded fibreglass poles. Because the holes were 50mm diameter and the poles were 48mm diameter, there was enough space to compensate for the slight slope of the roof against the two outer poles.

With all the glass blocks and poles in position, it was time to check that the height of the roof was equivalent on both port and starboard sides. It was necessary to pull one side down slightly and hold it in position with a rachet strap.

Next, glue was carefully squeezed into the space between the glass and the pole.

Once the glue had cured, the poles could be removed…

…and guided 10mm holes drilled into each side…

…to allow insertion of the carbon rods. The fit was firm enough to require gentle tapping in with a hammer.

The assembled poles, glass and pins were then glued into their final position. There was also preparation carried out down below in the back beam – I’ll write about this in another post.

350mm squares of quadraxial fabric were lowered over the poles and wet out with resin in-situ.

After curing, fillets and double bias tapes were applied to complete the bond between the poles and the roof.

These poles extended 1100mm above the roof and will be used to for mounting a wind generator, antennas etc. Our head-sail (only) rig allows us to do this.