Question about hull layup on 1988 Cruiser

joecrony

Hi there-

After reading about core issues I started to becoming nervous about my own 1988 22' CDory Cruiser. When I bought it I thought it was solid fiberglass with no core, at least the hull. Anyone have a place where I can confirm this?

Just getting into this now. I may take off some of the deck hardware to rebed and certainly that will confirm the makeup!

Thanks so much.

clayhubler · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 3:23 pm Post subject:

I'm fairly certain that from 87 on the bottom of the hull and transom were cored with end grain balsa. The sides of the hull are solid, as well as the area under the vberth.

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 5:48 pm Post subject:

It isn't solid fiberglass I do know that. What is it's core? It's either marine ply or end grain balsa.

thataway · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:55 pm Post subject:

1988 should have end grain balsa, the boats prior which did not have the variable dead rise (flat iron bottom) are plywood. The decks are cored with balsa. As you get into the later 2000 era there is foam used. Clayhubler is correct on the solid glass. The top may vary by model and year, as to what part (raised or lower side contour of the roof is cored. There will be either area cored and solid glass in the roof.

If you do take off deck hardware, be sure to over drill the hole, undercut, fill with thickened epoxy and then drill hole for fitting. This is the only way you can assure that there will be no core water intrusion. For the most part there has not been a huge problem with the decks. Around the forward hatch should be taken care of on all boats. Many times the hatch opening has been cut too big, and eventually will. leak and have water intrusion. Also around the windlass is often suspect.