Okay, in 'my' cockpit, not yet my boat, there is a couple spongy spots, largest one about the size of a softball the other, half the size of a hockey puck. Question: can I just cut those spots out and lay fiberglass down? Is it that easy??? This is a cored boat if that helps. Does it matter if I just fill the spots with fiberglass or do I need to use plywood as a core and glass it in??
repairing Fglass
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Harry
re: spongy cockpit deck
WE've got a 77 ODAY 30. Bought it last August, and it has a spongy area just forward of where a previous owner installed an Edson wheel. We have discussed placing a teak or mahogany grating over the whole cockpit deck, to spread the load over a larger area. Also talked about bolting a 1/2" or 3/8" marine plywood panel under most of the cockpit deck, which would also help with stabilizing the Edson wheel mounting. We haven't found any sign of water delaminating the fiber glass and think that the wheel installation caused the weakness/spongyness. I dont think you'd have musch luck cutting out an area a little bigger than the spongy area, because you will need some sort of support because of the amount of traffic in the cockpit, But I have zero experience cutting out and replacing fiberclass decks. zI'd like to know how you work it out though. Harry
WE've got a 77 ODAY 30. Bought it last August, and it has a spongy area just forward of where a previous owner installed an Edson wheel. We have discussed placing a teak or mahogany grating over the whole cockpit deck, to spread the load over a larger area. Also talked about bolting a 1/2" or 3/8" marine plywood panel under most of the cockpit deck, which would also help with stabilizing the Edson wheel mounting. We haven't found any sign of water delaminating the fiber glass and think that the wheel installation caused the weakness/spongyness. I dont think you'd have musch luck cutting out an area a little bigger than the spongy area, because you will need some sort of support because of the amount of traffic in the cockpit, But I have zero experience cutting out and replacing fiberclass decks. zI'd like to know how you work it out though. Harry
A wheel, same reason here
The spongy area is right next to the wheel, actually goes under it for maybe an inch, probably less. I think it is the same reason that you described, and the other soft spot is where the emergency tiller hex-head is. We too are thinking of using teak in the cockpit.
The spongy area is right next to the wheel, actually goes under it for maybe an inch, probably less. I think it is the same reason that you described, and the other soft spot is where the emergency tiller hex-head is. We too are thinking of using teak in the cockpit.
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Herb Parsons
West System
I would not leave it unrepaired long. Covering it with a grate is much like just not checking your oil anymore when it gets dirty. Just hides the problem. That said, West Systems has a lot of information on repairs such as this. Here's a link that may help - http://www.westsystem.com/ewmag/Replacing_Core.html Does this mean you've decided to buy the boat? If so, you should buy This Old Boat by Don Casey. LOTS of information in there that you'll be able to use. As a matter of fact, even if you DON'T buy the boat, you may want the book. It'll come in handy in your search.
I would not leave it unrepaired long. Covering it with a grate is much like just not checking your oil anymore when it gets dirty. Just hides the problem. That said, West Systems has a lot of information on repairs such as this. Here's a link that may help - http://www.westsystem.com/ewmag/Replacing_Core.html Does this mean you've decided to buy the boat? If so, you should buy This Old Boat by Don Casey. LOTS of information in there that you'll be able to use. As a matter of fact, even if you DON'T buy the boat, you may want the book. It'll come in handy in your search.
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Tim
This Old Boat
I have a 1971 Ericson 29 and have the same problem in a few areas. I have Don Casey's This Old Boat and it is probably one of the best boat repair books I have. Very straightforward and easy to understand. It has a section on this. Sound out the area with a hammer and mark with straight lines. Cut through the top layer of fiberglass and remove. Chisel out all of the rotten wood and cut a new piece of plywood to fit. Epoxy it in place with some glass to reinforce. Epoxy the top layer of glass back on and fill any seams. The key to prevent this is to drill out any bonding holes larger than they need to be and fill with an epoxy plug. Rebore the holes through the plug and bolt piece in place. This leaves no way for water to get to the wood. Get the book, more detail in there.
I have a 1971 Ericson 29 and have the same problem in a few areas. I have Don Casey's This Old Boat and it is probably one of the best boat repair books I have. Very straightforward and easy to understand. It has a section on this. Sound out the area with a hammer and mark with straight lines. Cut through the top layer of fiberglass and remove. Chisel out all of the rotten wood and cut a new piece of plywood to fit. Epoxy it in place with some glass to reinforce. Epoxy the top layer of glass back on and fill any seams. The key to prevent this is to drill out any bonding holes larger than they need to be and fill with an epoxy plug. Rebore the holes through the plug and bolt piece in place. This leaves no way for water to get to the wood. Get the book, more detail in there.
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Herb Parsons
making the final offer tomorrow
Well, tomorrow I meet with the owners agent, at which I will make my final offer.....and counter offer. If they agree to come close to what I offer, its sold. Starting to get a wee bit excited. I mean, its going to be a bit of work....replacing the bulkheads, and doing a repair on the keel but that is also what I am looking forward to, not just sailing her, but putting in 'my time' with her, so I get that connection with the boat.......'Das Boot'...
Well, tomorrow I meet with the owners agent, at which I will make my final offer.....and counter offer. If they agree to come close to what I offer, its sold. Starting to get a wee bit excited. I mean, its going to be a bit of work....replacing the bulkheads, and doing a repair on the keel but that is also what I am looking forward to, not just sailing her, but putting in 'my time' with her, so I get that connection with the boat.......'Das Boot'...
You are right, but
...I'm looking to do some modifications to this boat. The price range you mentioned would be right, without the motor. It has a new Honda 8 HP motor on the back, so that is worth something, and the ability of this model of boat to handle rough weather is another factor.
...I'm looking to do some modifications to this boat. The price range you mentioned would be right, without the motor. It has a new Honda 8 HP motor on the back, so that is worth something, and the ability of this model of boat to handle rough weather is another factor.
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