rhys wrote:
On Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:53:17 -0700, Evan Gatehouse
wrote:



I would bet $ that you have #2 situation. It's far more typical.

I concur. As you are getting far more extensive and experienced advice
than I could render, I leave you to what will be a messy job (but done
properly) with two comments.

1) Consider marine plywood but only if it is entirely encapsulated.
This means sealed, coated, encased ENTIRELY in an epoxy that will
repeal all water intrusion. I recommend it due to the ease of getting
it close to the right size and shape to replace the core you will
likely have to dig out. You can precut the inspection holes before you
glass it in, and you can adhere the wood to the inner skin with a
"mayonaisse" of epoxy and fibres or microballoons. You can carefully
take off the top "skin" and replace it later and paint the surface to
match.

2) Don Casey's books on hull and deck repair are excellent and easy to
follow. I recommend them. I also recommend talking to other people
who've done this work.

Good luck.

R.

Thanks for pointing out the various advantage of using marine plywood
as core material. It is supposed to be more rigid than balsa core if I
understand this correctly.

Yes, I have the Don Casey's with me along with the Fiberglass Boat
Repair and Maintenance book from West System. They are great.

Jay Chan