Deck skin slight delamination

[abl1111]

Hey guys. My 23' Tsunami has a few spots in the deck where the skin/nonskid has delaminated from the balsa - areas approx 8"x10". The (2) spots although small, are in high- use areas - the sound it makes when I step on it makes my 'perfectionist soul' cringe.

However! Not enough to even think of re-doing the floor as the actual balsa underneath is very solid. No more grinding for this kee-mo-sabe !

I want to remedy this non-structural delam. but can think of only one way and there are some inherent problems w/ it; drill holes in the area, syringe in some WEST epoxy, let it cure... Then the problem - I want to gelcoat, but the gelcoat will not stick to the epoxy.

What'cha think ?

alan

[optiguy]

How can you be sure the Balsa is not wet? Usually delams occur when moisture is present. Unless it is an old small nolam (old boatbuilder tech term) that has grown. If the balsa is dry then the injection method does work but does have it's share of problems. The prep and actuall injecting is easy. After injection you must weigh down the repaired area. This causes epoxy to squeeze back out and must be cleaned up quickly. One trick I have used is to find some sticky back masking paper and put this down at the start.
After it has cured remove the paper and you should have a clean deck. But still wipe up the excess that comes out of the holes. For finishing wait at least 30 days for the epoxy to fully cure. Then dimple the spots with a drill and dab on some gelcoat. You should get and acceptable bond and look.
Bill

[abl1111]

Bill,

I know the balsa is solid because I have stepped on it ( alot !) and have felt no 'give' at all. I "believe" that the balsa is not wet because the delam is in an area of the floor where:

a) all else is solid, and the delam'd area is so small
b) there is no clear way for water to even get to the area
c) although not religious, I have prayed...

And the boat has been stored heated, indoors for over 4-5 months.

It was not clear w/ your directions how to use the sticky masking paper. What is that stuff ? How and when would you use it ?

And, I was hoping that I could use the epoxy, dimple it then fill w/ gelcoat. Good !

Thx.

[optiguy]

About the sticky paper. You can also use masking tape. The idea is to put down the material before you drill any holes.
That way when the epoxy squeezes out of the holes it does not get on the deck. Sometimes epoxy will stain old gelcoat and the masking protects it.
Bill

[abl1111]

Gotcha !! Good idea.

alan