Bob,

  I'd never suggest that someone get a degree just to participate in a discussion, or for that matter, ask a question.

  Questioning the orthodoxy is key.  That's why there's a harryproa in the first place! 

  It would be very hypocritical to suggest that someone buy into rejecting the orthodoxy of modern multihull design, only to insist that they conform to the orthodoxy of wherever the harryproa group discussion is at that point in time.

  Case in point:  I personally may be stuck forever with H80 or H100 because I've drunk the kool aid on what we know about foam today, while a few other members might end up with stronger/lighter/cheaper structures made with heat-treated XPS.  Good for them; points against me for not being open-minded enough.

  It's just that eventually it makes sense to invest more effort into experimentation and research and less effort into arguing about the basics of engineering.

        - Mike

 

This discussion has helped my understanding of cored construction and will continue to follow with interest. I have used the cheap pink low density foam to make non critical panels with mixed success, now I begin to understand why some failed.  If we keep it civil I see no reason not to question. I am a bit too old to go back and get an engineering degree, but continue to enjoy expanding my understanding of boat construction.

Bob