What advantage do solid laminates have over sandwich-constructed laminates?

Solid laminates have a significant advantage in offering greater primary axis reinforcement to resist hull girder stresses. This characteristic is particularly important in marine applications where structural integrity is essential for the overall performance and safety of the vessel. Solid laminates tend to have uniform material distribution, allowing them to more effectively bear loads and resist deformation under stress.

In contrast, sandwich-constructed laminates, while providing certain benefits such as improved insulation and potentially lighter weight, do not achieve the same level of strength and reinforcement in the primary load-bearing axis. In structures like boats, where the hull must withstand various forces from the water and the environment, the performance of solid laminates in reinforcing against torsional and bending stresses becomes a critical factor in ensuring durability and safety.

This is why solid laminates are often chosen for hull construction, as their strength characteristics can provide better long-term performance in harsh marine conditions.