MASTERCRAFT DESIGN PROCESS
4-3
Then, 3/8" AnchorLOK reinforcement steel plates are laminated into the hull to provide rigid mounting
points for the engine, ski pylon, rear lifting rings and the swim platform. Many boat companies mount the engine
and other components directly into fiberglass or wood, resulting in stress cracking and inevitable failure.
Step 6: Foam Flotation
After the floor liner is in place, pressurized closed-cell flotation is injected into the spaces between the hull
and floor liner to produce a solid, rigid, one-piece structure. Foam also deadens noise and provides positive
flotation for the boat, which is an added safety feature.
Coast Guard regulations do not require foam in boats over 20-feet in length, but all MasterCraft models
feature foam.
Step 7: Composite Floor Panels/Drive Train Covers
The next step in the process is to install floors made of composite materials in the hull of the boat to cover
the drive train. These units are both strong and lightweight. Unlike wood, they will never warp or rot. This is
critical because carpet can absorb water and hold it, causing wood floor panels to start deteriorating long before
the rest of the boat.
Step 8: Bonding Deck and Hull
The final step in the LifeMaster
TM
process is
to bond the deck and hull together. The deck
is mechanically bonded to the hull with silicone
and fasteners for strength, water tightness and
durability.
Some companies simply use fasteners to
bond the deck and hull together. This can
create stress points in the fiberglass. Others
use fiberglass to seal the joint, but this can
cause problems if there is ever a need to remove
the deck for a major repair.
Our system uses stainless steel fasteners that
are anchored into a high density polyethylene
DuraBak backing strip. This takes the pressure
off the fiberglass and provides a bond that is
exceptionally strong—but can be taken apart
if there is ever the need for a major repair.
Small Fiberglass Parts
Like the hull of the boat, all small fiberglass
components, such as trailer fenders and motor
boxes are constructed of hand-laid fiberglass
for strength. A separate manufacturing line is
dedicated to these components.
Putting the Pieces Together: Rigging
On the rigging line, all interior components such as engines, fuel tanks, carpet, upholstery and finish details
are hand-installed by skilled craftspeople. Every MasterCraft comes pre-wired for available options and has a
moisture-proof wiring harness. The order of installation has been carefully choreographed so that parts are
never in the way of workers and therefore do not get damaged.
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