Hi guys,In reply to an earlier question Midget asked what to use for the cross beams.DickL answered this question in full.It also brought up the question that if certain materials bend too much
what could he use.Multiman mentioned laminates.This method is like ropes the more strands [too a point]the stronger it is.It allows curved shapes to be made,it gives great strength,the only thing that may go against it is weight.As I personally have not built any laminate fittings of the type required,
I would rather have someone in the know advise how to build this type of cross beam.
In my dingy days one of the solid ash ribs[2" by 1"]continually broke in heavy weather.It was replaced with a laminate rib 4 times 2" by 1/4" ply strips.the ribs in question are still in good condition 56yrs later.O-ooops I will give my age away?????

Regards the other matter.As DickL says Let's keep the info coming in for the benefit of all. Regards to all. Tricat