Hi Steve,
I don't know the size of your deck holes, but if they are just bolt or
screw holes that is a pretty simple operation.
If you have larger areas where the balsa is rotten (soft), then it's
another type of problem.
For small bolt and screw holes, I just went into the hole with a nail
bent in an "L" shape to get back to solid balsa.
Then I put some masking tape over the bottom of the hole to keep the
epoxy from dripping out.
Next I mixed up some epoxy, and tried as best I could to coat the inside
of the cavity with epoxy. Then I added filler to the remaining epoxy and
using a small plastic syringe injected the thickened epoxy into the
cavity till it was full (and a bit above the deck).
When it had hardened, I carefully shaved off the excess sticking above
the hole.
~~~~~~~~~~
If you have larger voids or spongy areas, one approach is to first define
the area.
Then you have to drill a series of holes to allow you to remove the
spongy balsa and get back to solid balsa all around the soft area.
Next it has to dry out thoroughly before you fill it again with thickened
epoxy.
I have used foam to build a better icebox in my big boat, but you have to
have sufficient area for it to grow and expand or else it will force your
deck apart as it grows in volume.
If you haven't seen the WEST Instruction Book, I recommend reading it.
WEST covers all sorts of repairs, and is a great "How to" book if you
haven't done this sort of work before.
Connie
M15 #400 LEPPO
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