Halberg-Rassy Early 90s Divinycell cored hull

[ChrisDillard]

Anyone have knowledge or experience with a 30 year old Divinycell cored hull?
I'm specifically looking at a Halberg-Rassy from early 90s. Any reason to avoid? I am aware of the general issues with water intrusion and delamination. I guess I'm wondering if more specifically if not that time has gone by it is becoming clear that they have a finite lifespan? Or if any Halberg Rassy lengths or years have been known to have issues. Obviously if I end up making an offer I will go over the hull with a fine tooth comb with my surveyor, but thought asking here might be a be worthwhile. I've heard so many good things about HR that I'm not inclined to be too worried, even though all my research has been steering me toward a solid hull below the waterline. Thanks! Chris

[chowdan]

I have a divincell cored boat. Built 1980 with screwed down teak decks.

I haven't pulled the teak yet but so far no moisture issues whatsoever in the hull.

I was apprehensive before buying but now that I've had mine for 3 years, not sure really concerned. Exterior layup on mine is 1/4" and 1/2" on the inside if I recall(on deck - hull is thicker).

I would check every fitting to make sure it's sealed properly, if not check surrounding areas.

Get a good surveyor, go through the boat with them. I am thankful for my cored boat as inside stats cool while hot out and when cold it stays warm. I do not have condensation issues either as my non cored boats (no sweating what so ever)

[ChrisDillard]

When you say "check every fitting". what EXACTLY do you mean. any and all details you can share greatly appreciated. I'm reading a book on surveying fiberglass boats and will hire the best surveyor i can find... but the more info the better! thanks

[pilott]

My 45 yr old HR Rasmus has a solid hull & divincell cored decks. They seem to have held up perfectly
I thought the older HRs all had solid hulls

[ChrisDillard]

The website just says “cored” hull. The listing broker said solid below waterline and cored above. A bit odd the HR site wouldn’t make that clear. Unfortunately the boat just went under contract ��������

[pilott]

What model HR

[CarlF]

Cored hulls by good manufacturers like HR last as long as solid hulls. The core nightmares are in boats from lousy builders. I'm sure that HR installed all underwater fittings in areas with no core.

Of course, there is a risk that someone installed a new underwater fitting without cutting out the surrounding core. But owners with enough money to buy an HR use boatyards that are expensive enough not to do that. And while Divycell isn't as water resistant as maybe Corecell - it's a lot better than balsa.

If the foam is full of water, the surveyor will know immediately. If there are a few bad spots, it's cheap to fix. But most likely, it's fine.

[bruceb]

I have a 1975 33' trimaran with divinycell cored hulls that are still in very good condition. One layer of 11 oz glass inside and out over 12mm core with extra layers below the water lines and higher stress points. The boat has seen some hard use, but it is still quite stiff. The core does provide good insulation also. I expect HR built a good layup, and divinycell is an easy core material to work with. I would not want it on deck, and the hull should only be painted white, the core is very heat sensitive.

B

[chasfgr]

Cored gull, usually only above waterline, or it is on my boat, Bottom is standard glass lay up.

[SteveSadler]

Divinicel is not as strong as balsa cored hulls. A long history of failures follow it.
But if it's that old and has no delamination, it will likely stay that way.