boat symmetry

bw13aq18

Cadet
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
17
I'm rebuilding the interior of an 18' aquatron. While fitting the new rear bench and engine hatch, I noticed that the boat does not seem symmetrical from one side to the other. After taking many measurements, it appears that the hull is fairly symmetrical but the top cap or top half of the boat was not built symmetrical. My engine hatch is attached across the rear of the top cap with a continuous aluminum hinge. The front of the engine hatch rests on top of the rear bench seat. When the rear bench seat is positioned parallel to the transom, the front of the engine hatch and top of the rear bench to not perfectly align (off by approx 1 inch).:mad: When I compare measurements of each side of the transom to the bow, the boat appears symmetrical. Measurements from the two rear corners of the top cap to the bow are not symetrical (off by approx 1 inch). It looks like the manufacturer was able to hide the discrepancies by using lots of foam underneath the vinyl on the engine hatch and rear bench seat.
I'm trying to decide if I should build my engine hatch unsymmetrical or position the rear bench seat unparallel to the to the transom. I think a unsymmetrical engine hatch would be less noticable.
Just wondering if others have come across similar issues???:confused:
 

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erikgreen

Captain
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
3,105
Re: boat symmetry

Almost everyone has... there are basically no symmetrical boats in the world. Boats with an inch of difference on either side are rare though.. you might want to check to see if it was built that way or if it's somehow warped over time. It's surprisingly easy for a solid fiberglass hull to twist or warp as it ages if it's not supported properly.

Erik
 

HVAC Cruiser

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 12, 2009
Messages
1,254
Re: boat symmetry

I Have Lol, the port side at the transom is 5/8 different than the stern :eek: on my one project. I didn't realize it when I was building my deck measured up from the chine, and then the splash well wouldn't fit.
Build you hatch unsymmetrical, your right it won't be noticed :) whereas the seat will be
 
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