Deck Question

[Ron Prior]

I own a 1977 Irwin 33 Ft. Sloop and have on top of the cabin two long fiberglass raised area's on each side of the mast extending back towards the cabin. I am looking to add solar vents and cowl vents on top of this raised area and am inquiring if these are glassed over raised wood area's for structure strength to add winches etc, or if anyone knows what is under the fiberglass, or is it hollow?ThanksRon Prior

 

[Nick Heath]

Response to deck question

Hello Ron,I have not seen any answer to your question, so I will offer my views based on my 1977 30' Irwin Competition rather than the 33' that you have. I expect the function of these 'flats' is similar on boat models.This seems to be a mounting place for small winches, turning blocks and cleats relating mostly to the spinnaker pole/spinnaker halyard. My boat has one of each on either side mounted on the flat section slightly ahead of the mast and other turning blocks and gear aft of the mast for the other lines (main and foresail halyards, reefing lines etc).Since I stripped out the headliner I can tell you this area is solid f/g with no plywood core. Aluminum backing plates are used. For good reasons, the builder seems to have avoided mounting gear where there is a cored section (not that this deters subsequent owners from adding gear there).