I need to replace some of the core in the deck and wanted to know if anyone knows the thickness of the blasa core. I have a 1977 dawson ketch hull #210. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alan in NC

I drilled out the a portion of my foredeck arount the cowl vent and injected epoxy after it had dried out.  My deck was cored with some sort of wood, my guess would be balsa.  It was quite soggy and mushy.

Bob
Hull #8

Thanks for the information. Now I can get order the materials so I can get the work started.
Alan in NC

Hi Josh
Closed cell foam is used through out the deck on hull #237, except for the cockpit sole and the cockpit coaming where the winches and cleats are mounted which has plywood, as I found foam when I Installed  a 14x30 hatch on the starboard side cockpit seat and repaired the port side locker hatch, I elimated the quarter bearth and built a "pantry" aft of the dinette seat and a bulkhead in the aft cabin ala the port side, this gives me as much easily accessable stowage as the port side locker.

It seem to me that the foam/balsa thing had somthing to do with a change of owners construction ideology, something for the PD history buffs amoung us to research.

Herb
In Astor Florida
Sail fast Live Slow

Thanks again guys.

It would be nice to have clarification.  I have a copy of a 1977 brochure and it states the cockpit sole is balsa cored.  Since these are production boats, you would think they would have used what was relatively available at the time.  If I were to guess, I would suspect plywood over balsa in the common case.

I remember digging around under the steering pedestal on my boat when we were inspecting the squishyness.  I am not sure if what I pulled out was balsa or plywood.  It was mush and will be replaced once our temps are above -20F and the snow melts.

josh richard
duluth, mn
Dawson 26 Hull #272

Glad to see someone else is tackling the sole.  I have yet to start.  Hopefully this is a prod to send photos:

Here is link to the current process on the engine hatch.  When complete, I will post a PDF to this site:

https://secure.camulus.org/joshrichard/published/EngineHatchProgress

Progress is current as of last night.

Josh

This is a sore point for me with the boat.  My Vire 7hp, two stroke is fairly noise.  My solution thus far is a few layers of rubber backed indoor outdoor carpet to cover the engine hatch while underway. I used to use an extra cushion that fit over the engine hatch which worked even better. My latch for the engine cover is gone and needs to be replaced as well, this could help. I might have enough under the hatch to add 1/2" of insulation.

I am planning to add a 1-2" layer of foil backed insulation under the step into the aft cabin.  The noise in the aft cabin while motoring is terrible.  This should be a very easy project.  I will take a few pics when I get it done.  

Finding it hard to get motivated with a foot of snow on the ground. No excuse really as I have a great cover and space heater as well.

quote:

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Originally posted by rdubuque
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Finding it hard to get motivated with a foot of snow on the ground. No excuse really as I have a great cover and space heater as well.

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I just drove to my boat and sat in the tarp to keep the momentum going.  Most of the work I am doing at this time is inside work as working outside is impossible.  We are in the middle of a ground blizzard.

Josh