INTRODUCTION 1-9 



calibration process discussed as essential for any new product will have to include enough 

 typical testing to insure that the design factors for this feature are adequate. However, in 

 most refined articles where design is very precise there is an appreciation of the need for 

 proof testing and even sample destructive testing, regardless of the amount of data available 

 and the experience with the material. 



PURPOSE OF MANUAL 



The primary purpose of this manual is to provide the designer with technical data and 

 design approaches as guidance for analyzing fiberglass reinforced plastics structures for boat 

 hulls and other marine applications. 



This manual should also serve to persuade serious designers and builders that fiberglass 

 reinforced materials follow predictable behavior patterns. The data and illustrations should 

 assist those who are actually working with these materials to utilize them more efficiently. 

 The presentation of this information in a positive and logical pattern should give economi- 

 cally minded manufacturers sufficient confidence to use a new material where the economics 

 indicate a potential gain. 



