I just installed the cockpit deck beam as per the manual. I have not been able to find anything on the “forward deck beam” that came with the kit. The only mention is in the appendix that says it should be installed 20” from the bow (measuring to the aft side of the beam). If I place the beam at that position it is not a snug fit. It does, however fit snugly at 19 1/4. Does the snugness to the shear clamps matter or is the beam positioned just to support the foredeck? Thanks.
Exact positioning fwd/aft is not important, and within an inch is certainly good enough. The important thing is to position it vertically so that the top radius of the fwd beam matches the the bevels on your shear clamps.
Mark,
I will be planning the shear clamps tomorrow so I will hold off on adding the forward beam. I guess I just try and eyeball the radius? Could I use a string across the beam and planned shear clams looking for a consistent radius? Thanks.
The kit (or plans) have two planing guides, one for in front of the cockpit and another with a different radius for behind. If you compare, the top of both the forward deck beam and the one that you just installed will match the forward planing guide. When you use the guide to bevel the shear clamps, they will have the correct radius. The goal is to have the same radius on top of everything that the deck touches (shear clamps, both deck beams and top of fwd bulkhead) with the top surfaces all aligned. You can install the fwd deck beam either before or after beveling the shear clamps as long as the top edges are aligned before you glue on the deck.
Mark,
Ok. Onward. Thanks again.
Rob