I recently took a chance on a Reliance 44 with a couple of issues. The issue here that I'm seeking advice on is the wet/delaminated balsa core. The photo shows one area (about 5 -7 ft2) on the starboard deck that was definitely delaminated. Another area of about 20 ft2 is around the windlass at the bow, although I haven't opened that up yet.
Having dug into the area pictured, it became clear that although the area beyond the cutout was not delaminated, it was quite wet. Also, I do know from the survey that the moisture readings on the rest of the deck is hit or miss when it comes to moisture. I want to make this right for the long haul, so I'm looking for comments or suggestions on the options I'm considering:
1. Remove the entire top skin and replace the entire core (wet or not) with a synthetic core material. Not including painting/resurfacing (which I was going to have done anyway) this would cost about $5,000 in materials... mostly the new core.
2. Remove the entire top skin and replace the rotten/delaminated areas with synthetic core. Leave the remaining balsa in place, but keep the top off through the winter to let it dry, then close it up in the spring. Cost of this option is about $1,500... $500 in materials, and an extra $1,000 for storing inside vs. outside (I live near Rochester, NY).
3. Remove and replace delaminated areas... take my chances with the remaining wet core. Cost is about $500.
Fortunately I can do the work myself and I'm willing to spend the money to get it right, but I also want to be smart with my time and money. Thoughts?
Having dug into the area pictured, it became clear that although the area beyond the cutout was not delaminated, it was quite wet. Also, I do know from the survey that the moisture readings on the rest of the deck is hit or miss when it comes to moisture. I want to make this right for the long haul, so I'm looking for comments or suggestions on the options I'm considering:
1. Remove the entire top skin and replace the entire core (wet or not) with a synthetic core material. Not including painting/resurfacing (which I was going to have done anyway) this would cost about $5,000 in materials... mostly the new core.
2. Remove the entire top skin and replace the rotten/delaminated areas with synthetic core. Leave the remaining balsa in place, but keep the top off through the winter to let it dry, then close it up in the spring. Cost of this option is about $1,500... $500 in materials, and an extra $1,000 for storing inside vs. outside (I live near Rochester, NY).
3. Remove and replace delaminated areas... take my chances with the remaining wet core. Cost is about $500.
Fortunately I can do the work myself and I'm willing to spend the money to get it right, but I also want to be smart with my time and money. Thoughts?