Repairing a hole in deck - use core material of laminate

[Summercamp]

The previous owner of my Pacific Seacraft 25 installed a windlass just aft of the bow sprit. I have removed the windlass and would like to eliminate the hawsehole which, given the small size of the deck, is located rougly in the center of the foredeck. In repairing and filling this hole would using only fiberglass work to fill in the hole or will this create a hard spot in the middle of the deck? If so would it be better to use a core material (for example balsa, nida-core) to fill the hole?

I am clear on the methods of repairing a hole using fiberglass laminates and on doing core replacement.

Thanks!

[mitiempo]

I wouldn't bother with core. Make sure you grind a good taper, ideally inside and out and I would use epoxy and biaxial roving - strong and builds thickness quickly.

[Memopad]

A small bit of core material might actually make the repair easier. It will be a small enough area where core probably isn't needed for deck integrity, so either way will work. I you use core, that will be a few less layers of glass and a little less epoxy you need to use as well. Probably save you an ounce or two as well, maybe you'll be able to get up on plane then lol.