Dear Abby,
among the other things going on I have a recore job coming up yay! I’ve recored smaller areas using corecell a500 with great results. I cant attest to its longevity, but it’s easy, light, and initially strong( before taking years of abuse). My Downeaster has a foam
core roof and
deck ( I think it’s a corecell type of foam but can’t be sure what specific type is used ) the whole coach roof has delaminated. Not from
water intrusion. Its a poor design lacking, knees,
compression posts, and proper stiffness to hold up the roof of the spacious
cabin. Lack or a proper
compression post caused masts to crush the roof,bouncing and flexing on the roof or what ever it was but the whole entire roof is delaminated. I’ve added knees ,a compression post under the
mast ,and held up the roof a bit with posts .Now I plan on recoreing hopefully saving the old skins. Gonna cut them strategically remove the old
core, recore ,replace. If I can’t reuse the old skins I’ll use 1808 or triaxail and west system
epoxy. So, that’s what I’ve got going on. I’ve been back and fourth about wether the
delamination was because of a foam core or some excesses Loading flexing and bounceing or combination of a bunch of things, but I’m now focused on fixing it since I feel I have sured up,the roof from inside. Now I’ve had balsa core
boats and it’s very stiff and as long as it stays dry it seems to be a far better core material for a cruising
boat not concerned with a few extra lbs. I’m using 1/2 “ core looks like the weight difference will be 2 or 3lbs for every 2x4’ section but it does add up. And I’m not looking to detract from the
boats characteristics. I do like the extra r value of the foam ( since I’ve already spent a lot of time and
money insulating the
cabin from inside)And form what I’ve read balsa has way higher sheer and
delamination numbers. From what I’ve seen most of the closed cell foam on my
boat has waterlogged and delaminated. Do,I just have a bad taste of foam core? should I be concerned of foam core delamination again if properly laid up?The
builder used foam core and I’m reluctant to go balsa because he used foam, but it seems that it will help stiffen up my coachroof( or the extra weight up there actually cause more flexing) ,be a little cheaper, and be a better core material. So I’m on the fence here. The deciding factor for me is strength and longevity not ease or
price. I just want to sail away already😀! So does anyone care to weigh in on these thoughts or correct me if my assumptions are wrong?
Here’s some
charts I was looking at but dont really understand Hahaha!
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/...fig5_323312996
Once again I thank everyone for all the input and help I’ve gotten over time!!!