Hello everyone. Thought I'd share some thoughts on restoration/ balsa core rot in the extreme. Always trust that it'll be worse than anticipated. This way you won't get a sawzall and cut up your project for the dump in a fit of shock and anguish.
We know this CD 18 is the poster child for abuse and neglect and basically, project wise, I've taken it down to just an eggshell. I was hoping to get away with a partial sole restoration from the transom on forward about 18" to 24". But hammer tapping and holesaw probing has prevealed extensive "black soup" activity. So, Timmy, get in there and get on with it! *(a few new photos have been added)
A word of caution for the those forum discussions on core repair. I frequently see advice about making a small hole (1" or so") and revealing the area of moisture involvement and attending to it in varying ways. Just remenber, although my case is WAY in the extreme, make darn sure your'e not trapping moisture beyond your repair. In my case, even the good looking balsa appeared relatively dry to the touch until while prying out such a "good" section, the compression of my prybar actually squeezed out water!
Advice like drilling small holes and using a fan or even sovlents to carry away moisture is, frankly, a bunch of bunk. This boat has been stored under roof for about a year now. I opened the aft end of the sole many months ago (see photos) and also had "hammered" a few early probe holes in suspect areas. In summary, yes, it takes awhile for water to migrate "cross grain" but it definitely does do so with a vengeance. And, once it's in there, it's there forever! Water & water vapor will always seek even distribution. Think of your "sandwich" sole a a large pressure cooker.
I may soon go with the new balsa core I've ordered.....but "Nida Core" in 38mm (1.5") is really " thrumming" on my brain. Hmmm...we'll see. Aloha, Tim
We know this CD 18 is the poster child for abuse and neglect and basically, project wise, I've taken it down to just an eggshell. I was hoping to get away with a partial sole restoration from the transom on forward about 18" to 24". But hammer tapping and holesaw probing has prevealed extensive "black soup" activity. So, Timmy, get in there and get on with it! *(a few new photos have been added)
A word of caution for the those forum discussions on core repair. I frequently see advice about making a small hole (1" or so") and revealing the area of moisture involvement and attending to it in varying ways. Just remenber, although my case is WAY in the extreme, make darn sure your'e not trapping moisture beyond your repair. In my case, even the good looking balsa appeared relatively dry to the touch until while prying out such a "good" section, the compression of my prybar actually squeezed out water!
Advice like drilling small holes and using a fan or even sovlents to carry away moisture is, frankly, a bunch of bunk. This boat has been stored under roof for about a year now. I opened the aft end of the sole many months ago (see photos) and also had "hammered" a few early probe holes in suspect areas. In summary, yes, it takes awhile for water to migrate "cross grain" but it definitely does do so with a vengeance. And, once it's in there, it's there forever! Water & water vapor will always seek even distribution. Think of your "sandwich" sole a a large pressure cooker.
I may soon go with the new balsa core I've ordered.....but "Nida Core" in 38mm (1.5") is really " thrumming" on my brain. Hmmm...we'll see. Aloha, Tim