Wet Core - Dry out or Replace?

[DenaP]

Yesterday I removed the starboard side portlights on myC22. The core around both is wet on all four sides (yes above the opening too!). When I say wet, I mean dripping wet! I taped plastic over the portlights since the forcast called for rain. I then removed the chainplate on the starboard side, (wet too) taped it closed and waited for the rain. Last night it poured.

This morning the usual puddle of water inside the cabin near these portlights was absent, so I think I found the leak.

However, wet core is not isolated, so this morning I drilled holes in the deck near the portlights, and also inside the cabin just under the portlights. All holes showed wet core.

My question. What advice does the Chrysler Brain Trust (CBT) have regarding trying to dry out the wet core or cutting thru the interior skin and replacing with new core?

Cheers!

[Bhacurly]

Hey Dena,

I had to smile where at the end of your post you said Cheers! Love the attitude

I haven't had this issue in my 22 so my .02 is worth ~.002

Wet doesn't mean rotted, and replacing a rotted core is a big task. By tapping the deck you should be able to hear a differance in the tympany in rotted areas, so Iv'e read. Obviously you need to drain and dry the areas by drilling like you have, pumping Acetone into the highest holes can expedite the process. Drying can take months, so I hear most do this during the winter. There are some products you can put into the core if rotted that may help if not too bad or by some time but I've no experiance with them.

So here's what I'd do:

1. Check out Don Casey book on fibergalss and hull repair...
2. Drill, drain, and acetone to help dry.
3. Reseal all deck hardware and windows.
4. If not rotted call it good and sail the summer and fall.
5. This winter reasess the wood for further rot or wettness.

Good Luck!

Billy

[DenaP]

Hi Billy,

Thanks for the reply and the good advice! Don Casey's book is wonderful, in fact I am using the first section on boat survey's to find potential problems with my C22. I bought the boat on E-Bay in January and I want to make sure it is in good shape before I put her in the water.

I plan to re-seat all of the deck hardware, and I have some areas of delamination which are dry, so they should be a straight forward fix.

Thanks again!

Cheers!