Have Idea for Soft Deck . . .

[otherthan]

thers a soft spot just over the Vbert of my island trader 41...I want to strip off the gaulking between the teack planks, then drill a few holes thru the first glass layer between the planks...then from inside the Vberth I will run a kerosene heater for a few consecutive days...I am hoping the heat will vaporise the water trapped in the coar...then will epoxy and regaulk.

your opinions pleas

[capngeo]

Soft spots are usually the result of rotted core. Drying it out will of course lessen the spread, but will do nothing for the soft spot.

[Mimsy]

Unfortunately, the only way to fix it is to remove the rotted core, let it dry out, recore it w/ balsa and glass it in. It is a very time consuming project but if you do not address it, all you will be doing is making a larger project for yourself later.

[s/v Jedi]

Yes that works. You can improve by putting a vacuum on the top (using vacuum kit for fiberglass layup).

cheers,
Nick.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by capngeo

Soft spots are usually the result of rotted core. Drying it out will of course lessen the spread, but will do nothing for the soft spot.

Ah.. I was thinking he planned to reinforce using epoxy, not just close up the holes. It also depends on how big the area is.

A problem with reinforcing a big area is the weight of the repair. Replacing the core is the best approach and can also be quick and easy if you have some experience with working with epoxy and fiberglass.

cheers,
Nick.

[CarlF]

Of course, you know that the best repair is to really open it up. But:

Use heat lamps pointed at the underside (inexpensive clamp metal shades). Monitor the temperature of the fiberglass that it doesn't get hotter than 110f or so.

Moving air dries much quicker. Drill some holes in the Vberth overhead - or maybe one bigger hole that you later cover with a little varnished cap. Then use a vacuum cleaner to pull air through. Tape the hose right to the holes you've made in the deck. (buy a cheap vacuum, it won't be good for much after this). Let it run for a day or two.

This CPES epoxy site has lots of suggestions:

Wood preservation, rot repair, and restoration using epoxy resin on boats and homes.

Carl

[Mimsy]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Ah.. I was thinking he planned to reinforce using epoxy, not just close up the holes. It also depends on how big the area is.

A problem with reinforcing a big area is the weight of the repair. Replacing the core is the best approach and can also be quick and easy if you have some experience with working with epoxy and fiberglass.

cheers,
Nick.

Quick and easy except for the drying out process especially if you live in an area w/ ridiculous humidity.

[s/v Moondancer]

Remove an area of teak and take a 2 inch hole saw and cut out the top layer layer of fiberglass. This will allow you to get a good look at the core. The removed section is easily re-glassed back in afterwards if you decide to halt the job.

Amazon.com: DEWALT D180032 2-Inch Standard Bi-Metal Hole Saw: Home Improvement

'Mimsy' is correct, the key is to replace the damaged core, re-glass and find and fix the leak that caused the core to rot. The usual cause is leaking through the screw fittings holding the teak down or a leak at a stanchion or similar fitting.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Mimsy

Quick and easy except for the drying out process especially if you live in an area w/ ridiculous humidity.

yes, you replace the core in that case.

cheers,
Nick.

[barnakiel]

A small area can be repaired by drilling holes / drying / and injecting epoxy. I have found balsa cored decks worse - the damage tends to spread. But fixed some soft spots in foam sandwiched cabin tops and this worked fine.

b.

[tager]

After having replaced rotted deck core, I can say, do it right, do it once.

[foamcore]

I have replaced the core in a deck and I have done a quick fix also. Both worked. The quick fix is to fix port for a vacume pump. Wait for a warm day and draw the moisture out the best you can with a good pump. Then pull resin into the rotten core with the pump. This works pretty well if done correctly.