Sailing Uma · video

What this video covers

Repairing deck holes on a sailboat requires matching the existing core material to maintain structural uniformity.7:54 When replacing sections of a balsa-cored deck, using end-grain balsa provides the highest strength-to-weight ratio and superior shear strength compared to foam or plywood.8:20 To prevent rot, installers must over-drill any through-deck penetrations, fill the void with thickened epoxy, and then drill the final bolt hole through the cured resin.9:31

To patch large deck openings, secure a plywood backing plate covered in plastic to the underside of the deck using hot glue to create a contour.6:27 Lay the balsa core into the opening from the outside, then laminate with biaxial fiberglass and chop strand mat.6:32 Using peel ply on the final layer creates a smooth, non-tacky finish that minimizes grinding.1:14 Stiffening the cabin top with additional fiberglass layers or internal bulkheads reduces deck flex, which prevents port light seals from failing under load.4:26

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