Safety and rotted deck backing

[Biglake]

I was just told that the backing is gone and that it can be a safety issue in a big wind, waht is the real story?

 

[JoshGray]

I guess it depends

I am supposing that by 'backing' you mean the core of a cored fiberglass deck construction. If that is the case, then the deck has lost significant structural integrity in the area of the rot. This could lead to deck fittings in those areas pulling through. There is a potential for dismasting if this happened to something like a shroud or forestay chainplate. Core materials add stiffness and strength to the deck; any rot should be repaired.

 

[Rodger]

Tell us more

What kind of boat are we talking about and where is the deck soft?

 

[higgs]

Both responses

Both responses before mine are good ones, in my opinion. You may have some problems and need to be more specific.

 

[Fred]

Definitely need more details. Older Catalinas

and Newports are notorious for soft decks, and they go on for years. Soft bulkheads where the chain plates attach are a very different matter. I have seen two boats where the chainplates pulled out through the deck and it ain't pretty.