Balsa core issues on the CD 16

[Sunbeam]

It looks like you are doing a great job. I agree, grinding fiberglass sucks. But at least it doesn't take that long on a small area.

I see your photos of the water pathways in the kerfed (scored) balsa. Ideally, before placing it in the boat, one "bends it over backwards" on something like a bucket (or larger thing for larger piece) and then fills all the grooves with thickened balsa. Then when you straighten it, the extra oozes out and all those pathways are filled with epoxy (though of course most of it oozes out so it's not like you are adding lots of weight/epoxy). The kerfs allow the balsa to conform, so in that way they beat "solid" core.

Great to see your progress