C Flex in fiberglass hull construction

johnseattle · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2010

For sale I have seen a 16,800lbs Jason 35 sailboat, about 20 years old with a solid fiberglass hull built with "C Flex."

I googled "C Flex" and one site had this to say - "... C-Flex allows any form to be built using simple and inexpensive framing procedures instead of costly molding methods.

"Each 'plank' of C-Flex contains small semi-rigid rods that run lengthwise throughout the cloth. These rods allow the fiberglass to hold its form while resin is applied. This process eliminates the need for a full mold used in traditional fiberglass construction."

Does anyone please know if C Flex makes a hull as strong as a conventionally molded hull?

Thanks everyone.

svHyLyte · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010

C-Flex can make for a hull as good as or better than a traditionally molded hull depending upon the skill of the builder. If the hull is still fair without stress cracking after 20 years, particularly around the keel, it was likely pretty well built. A good survey will confirm or disprove that however.

FWIW...

CharlieCobra · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010

My boat is a carvel plank wooden yawl covered in C-Flex back in '94. It's still solid and in great shape.

deniseO30 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010

Charlie, Could C-flex by used for re-decking? I mean instead of build up with cloth and epoxy. Sure would save allot of fairing problems no? So many re-decked boats with wavy decks out there.

CharlieCobra · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010

Hmm, never thought of it. Could be. I'd contact Bill Seeman over at Seeman Composite, the guy who developed C-Flex and still sells it.