Balsa core removal possible issue

[ScottyP]

I am in the process of redoing my floors and a couple of rotten balsa core spots. This is my first time repairing a core. I chiseled out some of the balsa to expose some of the “good”. When I did that, a chunk of resin came out. I also noticed when removing the bulsa, the resin lip chipped off and caused cracks in the resin under the balsa. Is this common or should I be concerned? Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[karzrus]

Water damage to the core can include swelling and some damage to resin layers too. Even more if you live where that water can freeze.

You are going to be fibreglassing in the new core when you replace it so you were going to have to work with resin and glass anyway. Just remove all the rotten core and any loose or damaged fibreglass layers underneath it( may want to use a grinder rather than a chisel so you can work a little more delicately) Hopefully it is only a little and not very deep into the outer layers. Then repair the fibreglass layers first before putting the core back in place.

 

[ScottyP]

Water damage to the core can include swelling and some damage to resin layers too. Even more if you live where that water can freeze.

You are going to be fibreglassing in the new core when you replace it so you were going to have to work with resin and glass anyway. Just remove all the rotten core and any loose or damaged fibreglass layers underneath it( may want to use a grinder rather than a chisel so you can work a little more delicately) Hopefully it is only a little and not very deep into the outer layers. Then repair the fibreglass layers first before putting the core back in place.

th

Water damage to the core can include swelling and some damage to resin layers too. Even more if you live where that water can freeze.

You are going to be fibreglassing in the new core when you replace it so you were going to have to work with resin and glass anyway. Just remove all the rotten core and any loose or damaged fibreglass layers underneath it( may want to use a grinder rather than a chisel so you can work a little more delicately) Hopefully it is only a little and not very deep into the outer layers. Then repair the fibreglass layers first before putting the core back in place.

Thank you!
I’m hoping the keel is really thick because that’s where the chip came out of. There was a write up on here about replacing a core and it said to use a chisel. I will take your recommendation and use a grinder. I hope I didn’t cause too much damage if any. I’m the event I got deep into the outer layer, is it fixable or should I look for another boat lol.