Boats - Partition Walls

[anto]

Folks we seem to have a fantastic range of expertise on this forum could any of you help me with this particular quandary?

What materials/ system are used onboard ships/ yachts etc for partition walls?
Also is there a specific set of fire regulations/ building control that is applied to marine applications?

I'm thinking it isn't a normal plasterboard system as it would be far too heavy!

Thanks,
Anton

 

[sasquar]

i know sunseeker (big posh gin palaces) just use studwork, then ply with a posh laquer on the top if that helps...... weight (or lack thereof) is king with these sorts of boats.....

 

[jerrytug]

Hi anto that's a very big question, what type of boat exactly?

 

[wookie]

What's the partition wall to do ? Is it visual or just functional ? What type of boat, lightweight race boat or 4 knot SB ?

 

[frank horton]

anto,
not sure where we bought it from but we got 8x4 sheets of finished ply (different wood species finished in a resin varnish) - it's a sandwich board with a heavy paper honey combe inside, light and structually sound the we used in marrow boats........
the plywood was around 1/2" thick.......
perhaps look around the Hull, Imingham area cos that where most caravans are built in the UK and I'm sure the suppliers won't be far........
we used to buy it by the pallet load but that was prob 40 years ago.....frank

 

[sg66]

light weight plywood from any motor home self build supplier, more expensive than standard ply but a lot lighter with lots of choice for finishes

http://www.winwood-products.com/eng/timber-products/poplar_plywoods.htm

 

[addjunkie]

Ships and yachts are very different. Cabin walls on modern ships are insulated panels with like formica type finish and some kind of insulation in the middle. They should have a fire rating too, accepted by what ever classification society.

Offshore type installations use similar or a thrislington partition type system made of double sided sheet metal.

Yachts use as said above faced marine ply wood. If its load bearing like the main bulk head below the mast foot for example this would be most likley marine ply glassed in at the moulding stage then dressed with vaneered ply.

 

[sardine]

I've got a special " marine" spirit level for fitting out boats if you want to borrow it.

 

[W.olly]

Folks we seem to have a fantastic range of expertise on this forum could any of you help me with this particular quandary?

What materials/ system are used onboard ships/ yachts etc for partition walls?
Also is there a specific set of fire regulations/ building control that is applied to marine applications?

I'm thinking it isn't a normal plasterboard system as it would be far too heavy!

Thanks,
Anton

As above, all depends on the type of vessel and what the reason for the bulkhead/partition is .

 

[MCKDAVID]

not sure on yachts / pleasure craft etc; but ships / commercial vessels have all sorts of specific regulations on fire fighting / fire rated bulkheads / decks etc depending on type / function, and applies all sorts of classification society requirements, class / flag rules, IMO regulations etc.. Most have shared / common themes but all have their own particularities or interpretations of the same requirement.
SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) for example defines the requirements for different types of vessels, such as cargo vessels with crew only or passenger carrying vessels. it's all specific requirements, requiring fire dampers at ventilation openings etc, fire rating / duration for decks and bulkheads etc. it's a bit of a minefield, with a lot of arguments on definitions / interpretation.

As said earlier on, you really need to look at what the application is first. Personal use or commercial activity is probably the biggest definition to clarify. Like I say, I have no experience of smaller vessels, but as a minimum I would say that if it's liable to a survey or insurance requirements or for commercial purposes) then you really need to search out a specialist for advice, it might save you a lot of time / money / grief. That said considering fire at sea is one of the worst nightmare scenarios, don't economise on that area, especially round any engine room / fuel storage /battery installations.

 

[addjunkie]

That said considering fire at sea is one of the worst nightmare scenarios, don't economise on that area, especially round any engine room / fuel storage /battery installations.

Having experienced both a little one and a big one, neither was an experience Id want to repeat.

As for the rules on classification, im way out of touch with lloyds, dnv, veritas etc, but I do remember the quirky differences between them and trying to comply.

Pictures of what your trying to build bulk heads into might point us in the right direction.

 

[MCKDAVID]

@addjunkie
"quirky"; now there's an understatement.... interpretation is the key word, even between two inspectors you'll get four differing opinions ... had may battles on the definitions for the fire dampers, fire spools position / length etc.
never mind eh, all part of the fun...

 

[W.olly]

Folks we seem to have a fantastic range of expertise on this forum could any of you help me with this particular quandary?

What materials/ system are used onboard ships/ yachts etc for partition walls?
Also is there a specific set of fire regulations/ building control that is applied to marine applications?

I'm thinking it isn't a normal plasterboard system as it would be far too heavy!

Thanks,
Anton

Come on then Anton, been a few days now since you asked

What boat etc etc are you talking about ?

 

[anto]

Ooops sorry forgot about this lol
Its a river cruiser, planning to reconfigure the current cabin layout to make the current rooms a bit bigger. So, yes its commercial use therefore id imagine itl need to adhere to certain standards. Unfortunately I don't know what those rules are lol.
Ive found out that Promat make a partition system designed for marine applications.

 

[MCKDAVID]

ah ok, river cruiser, I have no idea who's regs would apply. Sorry.. maybe try some of the Norfolk broads tourist boats websites and see if they say, who they're certified by? might give you a starting point.

 

[jerrytug]

Ok, what is she made of, and what size is she? Don't be shy...pictures would help...
As you say there is plenty of knowledge on here, from experienced yachtsmen to Falklands War veterans, if you give us a few more clues..
1) Be careful removing existing bulkheads ( the boaty word for partitions) because they are probably holding the boat together!

2) Have a look at the MCA Guide to coding small commercial vessels, on the excellent Maritime and Coastguard Agency website, all the requirements are clearly published.

 

[normspanners]

" marine" spirit level

AH yes -----they a fishes fart dont they?

Also is there a specific set of fire regulations/ building control that is applied to marine applications?

yes https://www.gov.uk/health-and-safety-on-ships/fire-prevention

Useful info http://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/regulations/pleasure-craft/Pages/hub.aspx

 

[addjunkie]

Hes in ireland so i assume they will have their own regs, but id try llyods classification as a first punt