Soft spot in Cockpit Sole

[Keith]

I have discovered a fairly significant soft spot in the cockpit sole. Although I've only had the boat a few months, I'm surprised I didn't notice before.Can it be strengthened/reinforced from underneath? Or, does it need to be completely removed to be repaired properly, as someone has already suggested.Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Doug T.]

Repair

Sounds like water has gotten into the core. Best bet is to take a Dremel and cut off the top layer of the entire cockpit sole. Remove/replace any and all balsa core. Put the top layer back on.There are a lot of details that go along with this recommendation -- there are a number of good books on the subject.Oh, by the way -- fix the leak(s) first!