I am looking for options on how to tackle this fuel tank cover/deck floor restoration. To my untrained eye it seems that is needs to be redone. The floor was solid, no spongy or soggy feeling when it was installed. I took it off to inspect and have better access to replace the 16 year old fuel hoses.
I drilled a few inspection holes where I thought there was water intrusion. I did find wet wood inside and some rot in in corner, identified by black powder. This imperfection is isolated in two areas.
If I am fully convinced that I can handle this job, I would purchase a compressor, pneumatic chisels, a tool (perhaps this oscillating tool) and carefully remove the core/fiberglass making sure the bottom gelcoat layer is untouched.
I would then grind the bottom of the cavity, measure and dry fit as large pieces of Balsa Core as I can on fiberglass cloth.
Mix laminating Polyester Resin with some cab-o-sil to a syrup consistency and lay it in. Place the fiberglass cloth (have not determined what kind of cloth) on the resin then lay the Balsa core and add equal pressure on top while it cures.
I would then add another layer of cloth on top and apply resin to seal the core off.
Once cured I would have to make sure the edges are level, grind away the access fiberglass if any so that the deck can mate with the bottom when it installed in the boat.
Thanks.
Link to Pictures:
Aft View
Forward edge
Aft corner
Inspection holes
I drilled a few inspection holes where I thought there was water intrusion. I did find wet wood inside and some rot in in corner, identified by black powder. This imperfection is isolated in two areas.
If I am fully convinced that I can handle this job, I would purchase a compressor, pneumatic chisels, a tool (perhaps this oscillating tool) and carefully remove the core/fiberglass making sure the bottom gelcoat layer is untouched.
I would then grind the bottom of the cavity, measure and dry fit as large pieces of Balsa Core as I can on fiberglass cloth.
Mix laminating Polyester Resin with some cab-o-sil to a syrup consistency and lay it in. Place the fiberglass cloth (have not determined what kind of cloth) on the resin then lay the Balsa core and add equal pressure on top while it cures.
I would then add another layer of cloth on top and apply resin to seal the core off.
Once cured I would have to make sure the edges are level, grind away the access fiberglass if any so that the deck can mate with the bottom when it installed in the boat.
- What am I missing?
- Looking for expert opinions and tips from experience.
Thanks.
Link to Pictures:
Aft View
Forward edge
Aft corner
Inspection holes
