Due to some foam core that was soaked in some spots, we will be removing the skin from the top, taking out the soaked (foam) core and replacing it with end grain balsa. Thinking of going with a 2 part poly paint from Signature Finish. Adding new glass over the bow area to reinforce it.
Same area but putting the skins back on. Will grind out (put a bevel) in the area where the glass skin was cut and will add layers of glass to make a good bond with deck. Picture to the lower left is almost ready. Just need to fair the area. Winter (Nov. 2010)r has arrived so only able to work inside.
Old skin is in place and ready for fairing. You can see the new ports in place..
Have started the process of drying out the core... drilled a number of holes through the deck and indeed the foam core is wet. I then proceeded to start pouring Acetone into each of the holes. The Acetone attracts the water and helps to evaporate it.
After trying this process with the foam, I decided to remove a small piece of outer skin to expose the foam core. It was very wet, so I removed it and am using balsa. Ordered some 3/4" core from Defender.
Below are images of the lazerette and anchor locker covers that suffered core damage. Have replaced core, strengthened attachment areas, laid additional fiberglas cloth, faired everything smooth. Soon to repaint.
Below are the same 2 pieces (lazerette & Anchor covers) that were painted using Honey Teak's 2-part paint and the non-skid was done using KiwiGrip. KiwiGrip is amazing, check out the link. If it works as good as it looks, I am sold. It is a water based polymer that you apply with a trowel (fairly thick) and then use a specially designed roller to give it the desired texture.
Removed the skins from both port and starboard seats in the cockpit as there was some repairs to leaks earlier. Will be adding epoxy and new glass. Using West System for this.
Lower picture shows a start of the re-glassing. Showing first new layer of glass.
Lazerette - Stern Pulpit Area
The attachment points for the stern pulpit and stern cleats were compromised. I was and still am somewhat surprised at the lack of backing plates under deck hardware throughout the boat. So, I removed both the pulpit and cleats, ground out bad fiberglass (pulpit attachment areas) and drilled out (made larger) the bolt holes for the cleats and will have some ss backing plates made.
The lazerette needs to be cleaned, sanded and given a fresh coat of paint. The opening needed to be re-inforced and the hatch cover has been redone.
