Need to dry out wet wood encased in fiberglass

[weh5748]

Yes, Lake George area will be bitter cold/subzero in 4 or 5 months so I know I need to get the moisture out. Assuming I am able to do that following above advice, I have a few more questions re filling the space. I didn't realize bondo like fillers absorbed water and need to be sealed. Does that mean finishing the outside/deck surfaces where I've drilled access holes with something like fiberglass resin, epoxy or gelcoat? I'm also wondering if Dave has a recommended waterproof epoxy filler. Finally, If my dry out is less than perfect will any of the fill products discussed be more forgiving if tiny amounts of moisture remain (almost argues for an expandable/flexible foam that might accommodate some expansion without cracking surrounding fiberglass enclosure.)
Bill

 

[kenn]

[holes in fiberglass] need to be sealed. Does that mean finishing the outside/deck surfaces where I've drilled access holes with something like fiberglass resin, epoxy or gelcoat?

Yes, absolutely, but filling holes is easy, especially if you can find a gelcoat to match your boat.

Clean the hole and area with acetone, fill to near the top with thickened epoxy, when the epoxy is set, sand and top with gelcoat. if the gelcoat match is good and you sand and polish with care, the repair will be invisible.

 

[jibes138]

The core in a deck is there for stiffness, it adds strength to the boat. Once the deck delaminates you lose that strength. So you are not just looking to fill the space with any old material like styrofoam for instance. You want a bond between the top skin and the bottom skin and the core material needs to have some strength to it as well. You boat is flexing and bending and if there is lack of strength in areas where it was designed then the loads get concentrated in other areas.
My recommendation is WEST System epoxy mixed with a filler like 407 or 405. Since you are not removing the skin it will be tough to get a good bond since the surfaces will not be clean after you remove the wet wood as best you can. You really should remove the skin to do this right. The WEST System site has tons of information on how to do various repairs and what materials to use. There are articles describing exactly the repair you are working on.

 

[weh5748]

Thanks for advice. Makes sense even though space is small I will attempt to fill with a rigid material that will bond top and bottom of cavity.
Bill