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80 c25 sk

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bouy
1st Mate

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33 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/06/2011 : 13:44:37

Well the insurance adjuster came and said that they would not total the boat, but would pay to have that section of the deck re-cored and fiber glassed . What do you think? After repair do you think it will be strong enough to withstand the load of a hard blow? I realize that if I only have that section repaired the rest of the boat will not match, however there are a couple of other areas that need to be re-cored also. So how difficult is it to do this type of work myself ( I am handy with tools and woodworking, but not much experience with fiberglass work) ? To have a professional to do this is about $250/sq ft which would be more than the boat is worth ( $ wise but not personal wise. I really like the boat) I have already in the last year or so invested in new running and standing rigging, all new components for the swing keel so whats a few more grand !!. Wouldn't mind getting a lead on a trailer for this boat if I decide to do most of the work myself and save the cost of the monthly yard fee and the continual haul out fees each hurricane season. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bill

81 sksr #1733

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 10/06/2011 : 15:40:57

I have never re-cored a deck, but I watched a friend do it, and it didn't look nearly as difficult as I envisioned it. I have worked with fiberglass a fair amount, and working with fiberglass is really fairly easy for a DIYer. Don't replace the old core with plywood or balsa. Replace it with one of the man-made substitutes that are available, and you'll never have to re-core that area again. Unless you have a high degree of skill, you won't be able to reproduce the non-skid pattern in the deck, but you can still give the repaired area a nice finish. It will just be different. You can get a book from West Systems (the company that markets the resins, etc.) that will describe exactly how to do the job. The main thing I would advise is that you get the tools that will make the job the easiest. They'll be well worth whatever they cost.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 10/06/2011 : 17:40:41

You can address other areas yourself, but the pro should do the structural areas. He should be able to give you a finish that blends fairly well with the existing non-skid.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 10/06/2011 : 17:59:04

So a professional repair would cost more than the boat is worth, but the insurance company won't total it? And if you have the boat repaired, the insurance won't pick up the whole bill (minus your deductible)? To me, those are conflicting statements. I'm suspicious your insurance company is trying to bamboozle you so they don't end up with a boat they don't want to dispose of. What are your policy terms--agreed value or "book value"--and what does your policy specifically say about this?

As to you doing the work, there are too many unknowns for us to respond. How serious is the damage? How interested are you in developing the necessary skills? What will the boat look like (and be worth) when you finish? Will you be confident in its integrity when you're out in a blow? The questions go on and on... Personally, I've done a fair amount of fiberglass work and woodwork, but I would not be comfortable re-coring and then re-glassing an area that has the structural significance of the decks around the chainplates. No way. I don't want the mast coming down on somebody because I didn't get it right. And getting a "finished" appearance takes some considerable skill, too--the original deck came out of a mold--it wasn't hand-finished. (Although you can buy a mat that helps you replicate a non-skid pattern by pressing it into uncured gelcoat).

For me, it would probably be time for another boat, and the insurance company would be contributing one way or the other--that's why I bought insurance.

Your "investments" in running rigging, standing rigging, and keel components weren't investments--they were the maintenance every owner has to do some time. They might have made you happier, but they are inconsequential in this scenario. You need to focus on whether you will be happy with and confident of the <i>outcome</i>, and possibly push back some on the insurance company's decision. Your estimates don't jibe with their conclusion.

There are lots of nice, sound boats out there... Don't stick yourself with this one unless you're really comfortable doing so. When you're out sailing, it's supposed to be relaxing, exhilarating, fun,... not a time of "I wonder if this boat is going to hold up because of what I did to it."

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 10/06/2011 18:33:10

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2011 : 04:19:57

Pics...

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Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2011 : 06:53:57

Bill
any updates?
Sam

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.