Hi John,
Thank you very much for your analysis.
I have to tell you,.... I'm truly conflicted here. Mind you, this would never be built like this but, I want to try and understand the original thought process.
Quote:
the ends of the upper horizontal "gusset" aren't doing anything - not load carrying except as transferred through glue shear connections.
another clue might be the width of the top and bottom longerons
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Part of the
"confliction". The drawings seem
contradictory in that dotted lines are shown behind the struts in one view, but not where you would expect in another. This eluded toward centerline. However, the dimensions as you note, (3/4" gusset, 3/4" longerons) elude towards outboard panels as I have them. The radii of the ribs at the bottom panel, rules out placement of these solid pieces immediately adjacent to them.
Still, the "plan" view
does not show these on centerline ....and likely hidden, under the same dimension longerons.
Like you, ....I don't like this "splitting" of the ribs but the "side" view drawing shows
complete ribs the entire lenth at 3" spacing, along with the above mention "dotted lines". But, "dotted lines" usually mean structure behind something, or maybe a continuation of a path??? (Did I mention conflicting info?)
Another clue is this quote from a float kit manufacturer in Canada....
Kits and plans for ultralight floats
Quote:
Outside panels
The outside panels carry most of the float loads. They provide panel stiffness and resist point loading when mooring or beaching. They are exposed to the environment and of course keep the water out. They are the most important wood material involved.
The 3 mm plywood supplied in the kit will provide ample panel stiffness on floats 12 to14 feet long.
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Anyway John, I'm sure you can appreciate that regardless of the details, it's looking like I'll be building three little "boats" on strongbacks! I sure do like this project!
