Cockpit Sole Re-Core

[P69]

The core under the binnacle was rotten. I removed the top, the rotten core, then laid in 1/2" fiberglass panel (the red material in picture) where the binnacle will be and 1/2" balsa where no penetrations will occur. I use solid glass near the fuel tank sight glass and above the rudder post.  Later, I will drill those out and reinstall the sight glass and access port for the emergency tiller.

I used polyester resin and combination of chopped strand mat and 1708 ( mostly 1708) for this job.  Now, the cockpit sole does not flex.

While I worked on the cockpit, I added vertical support under the aft corners of the cockpit. The cockpit is supported at the forward end with two 2x4's that are glassed to the hull, but the after end is suspended by the cockpit shape and coaming.

I added 1/4" fiberglass U channel that has a top cross piece and forms a "T". The T part is up against the underside of the cockpit sole and the lower part of this post is bolted to that 3/4" plywood that runs fore and aft past the fuel tank and engine.

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