How to repair rotting core surrounding chainplates

[chowdan]

Hi everyone!

I am in the process of replacing my chainplates aboard my 1976 Bristol 27. I pulled the two fore chainplates and when replacing with new, I came to realize that the deck surrounding the chainplate holes are quite wet and as such, have rotted.

Being that its winter time(located in Seattle), how would one go about digging out the core and repairing it?

What I was thinking was getting a dremel, and grinding the hole a little bit bigger then digging out all the rotted core with a piece of wire. Once dug out i was thinking of using a syringe type device to inject epoxy into the cavity. I was planning on doing this WITH the chainplate in place, taped with some plumbers tape/electrical tape for easy removal after drying then resealing with Buytl tape?

Opinions? Ideas? Has anyone had to do this before? Do you have videos/how-to's/guides on this procedure?

Thanks!

[rognvald]

Chowdan,
If you want to do it properly, you must cut out the old core material and replace it with new. Epoxy injection in a rotted core around a structural item like a chainplate is not acceptable. Here's your project:

1. Drill pilot holes outwardly from the chainplate to determine the extent
of the rot
2. Cut off the top layer of fiberglass with a cutting wheel and remove the
core with a chisel or Multimaster.
3. Allow to dry thoroughly and be certain there is no rotted core
visible.
4. Wait for an appropriate warm day and replace the core and glass with
West System Epoxy and 1708 Biaxial glass or layer mat and roving to
appropriate mil of your deck.
5. Sand and refinish
While you are at it, I suggest you pull and inspect your chainplates and
replace if needed. It's not a difficult job, just time consuming.
Good luck on your project. Hope this helps. Your Bristol 27 is a beautiful boat! Good luck and good sailing. Rognvald