Why? Properly built & properly maintained, core is great. Lasts 99.9% as
long as any other type of fiberglass.



Gene Kearns wrote:
I don't agree. Sandwiching a very soft, water-logable material between
two layers of rigid material, which can be reasonably expected to
flex, is not, IMHO, good engineering.

Really? How do you explain the thousands of 20+ year old sandwich
construction boats that are still light, still rigid, still competitive?


... A clever cost saving method,
perhaps, but not good engineering practice.

Here is what one surveyor has found with respect to cored hulls:
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/cored_hull_bottoms.htm
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/more_on_cores.htm
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/searay_ba...re_bottoms.htm

Ah yes, the famous Pascoe. But then, he is pointing out that *bad* types
of construction, including poorly made cored laminates, is... well, bad.

He seems to think this proves that there's no such thing as good
construction. But there is.

I really shouldn't argue. If everyone thinks that cored hulls and/or
decks are horrible, then that will drive down the prices on the type of
boats I'm most interested in

Seriously, the biggest problem with cored construction is bad
maintenance. If the sandwich is pierced, then it needs to be sealed. The
bond between layers needs to be maintained. Most people don't pay enough
attention to bedding their deck fittings, or drill holes in things and
drive in self-tapper screws, or something equally destructive. Of course
it's the boat's fault!

Fair Skies
Doug King