Deck delamination

[gillpro]

What is the better way to fix deck delamination? By the top ? Or by the bottom after cutting a opening in the interior deck liner shell?By the top, it will be very hard to remake the affected area as it was before reparation especially the non-skidding surface.The deck seem's to be build like a sandwich with a core of balza. The humidity rating in this area is 25% so I suspect the balza core filled with water.Some of you got expertise ??? Please I am waiting for advises. Thanks.

 

[Jim willis]

From the Top

You need to open up with a few half inch holes, and get the balso dry (shop vac and/or compressed are may help) plus HOT SUN. Then pour in penetrating epoxy (one area is thoroughly dry). You can easily repair the non-skid areas as described in Gelcoat and plastics forum. THiere is one posting on this for stippled non-skid and another for moulded non-skid that that needs perm posting but can be found in archives.ThanksJim W

 

[Chuck]

Do it from the top!

I'm currently replacing my cabin top balsa wood from the bottom...literally tore all the fiberglass/gelcoat from the bottom. Now yo get it to line all up. I can tell you to make dang sure it dries out, there are no shortcuts to this and the balsa does take time to dry. I'd suggest cutting till you find all the wet balsa and replacing it. From my experience so far with Epoxy, man, it's great stuff. Good luck!Chass

 

[John Dawson]

Glissando

Here is a link to the renovation of Glissando, a Pearson Triton #381 in Maine that will illustrate deck repairs (and more) and will inspire you in such painful operations. There are also fine books on the subject, like Sailboat Hull & Deck Repair by Casey. Probably stuff in the archives too. Good luck.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Agreed, again.

Hey - check out the launching photos of Glissando. I'm the guy next to the red volvo in a couple of them. I was living at that anchorage when she was launched. She is absolutely AWESOME. You should check out his daysailer project.Defintely repair the deck from above. You will have to fair and paint but doing it from below will result in lots of dripping epoxy.Justin - O'day Owners' Web