Question re Filling Thru Deck Holes

[GJD]

Have removed some old blocks from the aft bridge deck (were for old dinghy cradle) and need to fill and refinish the thru-holes that are left. Does this want to be an epoxy job or a 5200 job? How does one refinish the deck and 'stippling' on the underside also?

Any advise greatly appreciated.

BTW just spent the past week vacationing (working) on our new 53 and it was absolutely the most relaxing time I've ever had taking off work. I normally tend to obsess about business while on vacation but the Kimi Dee is a beautiful new obsession - hardly thought about the biz at all!

 

[Bob Bradley]

If it is balsa cored, I would first soak the exposed core with two or three applications of CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) to prevent or repair decay. I would then fill the holes with West System Epoxy mixed with fiberglass dust (I forget the actual product name for this, but West makes it). Sand it fair and then touch up with paint.

 

[GJD]

Thanks kindly Bob!

 

[bigbill]

hey GJD i put tape on the bottom side, then filled the holes with resin thickened a little bit with milled fibers,then sanded and painted.you may have to refill the holes two or three times to soak the balsa. bigbill

 

[Diver Down]

Here is a picture of a core from the flybridge deck which I kept from the 4" hole I drilled for a davit stanchion. The core is 1 5/8" thick, approx. 1" of which is balsa. I'm not an expert but agree with bigbill's recommendation.

 

[GJD]

Thanks - and once again, this forum is AMAZING!

 

[Maynard Rupp]

You don't have to grind up crap for a filler. West system folks make several different fillers. Iwould enlarge the holes to make sure I had clean balsa. Next put good tape underneath if the original holes went through. Mix west epoxy and fill the hole. It will settle a little. After it cures somewhat mix either $404 or if you want to sand and re-paint use #410. Either should be mixed to the consistency of penut butter. To we and it will be hard to sand. Now top off the repair with your very thixkened west epoxy. Wet your finger and tap lightly to smooth it before it cures.