Rafiki 37 Cored hull?

[SKG56]

Is there anyone out there that knows whether or not the Rafiki 37's hull was cored with Airex. I am getting conflicting reports from owners of the R37. I like this boat, and am looking closely at it, but I'm having trouble finding details about it's construction. Thanks; Sam

[padadd]

hi there yes they were airex cored hulls and balsa decks.

many will have been replaced by now.

[Mike OReilly]

I know this is an old thread, and likely the OP has figured out the answer, but since I own one of these rare boats, I thought I would add (for the record):

Yes, Rafiki-37s have cored hulls below the water line down to a foot or two above where the keel begins.

The material is Airex (not balsa). I have a copy of the original blueprints, and have replaced a thru hull, so I know exactly what it looks like. The core is a surprisingly (to me) thin layer, sandwiched in a thick fibreglass laminate. It is very well constructed and built. I have never heard of any hull problems associated with Rafikis.