Fairways Marine Balsa Core question

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moy
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2022 9:41 am

Fairways Marine Balsa Core question

Post by moy »

Hi.

Can anyone with a Fairways marine built Freedom (33/35) tell me what to expect by way of potential vulnerability of the balsa coring to water ingress. I'm in the process of buying one, & have always considered balsa cored deck / hulls to be something of a weak point - I would consider removing all deck hardware, portlights etc, epoxying all through holes & rebedding, for peace of mind - thoughts on sensibleness, necessity of doing something like that...?

Thanks!

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Castaway
Posts: 286
Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:40 pm
Location: Lerwick, Shetland Isles

Re: Fairways Marine Balsa Core question

Post by Castaway »

I have one, and there was no evidence of water ingress at the last survey. When replacing any fittings, I generally clear out some of the balsa and replace with epoxy filler, and bed the fitting in some waterproof mastic or other.
I don't think wet balsa is a frequent or significant problem on these boats, and the balsa core, which extends almost to the 'garboards' and right through the deck and coachroof, keeps them warm (or cool) and mostly free of condensation in all weathers.
Gerald Freshwater,
s/y 'Castaway', (UK F35 cat ketch, centreboard, 1987)
Lerwick Boating Club
Shetland Isles, Scotland

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