I'm filling the void left by the rotted-out core in my deck. I've drilled several holes to allow the area to dry and now I need to decide what product to use to fill the void. Git Rot seems to lead the pack. Does anyone have ideas on what to use and perhaps alternatives?
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Filling Cored Deck Voids With Epoxy
- Thread starter Blues Cat
- Start date
Are you filling a void space or stabilizing rotten wood? For the wood, Git Rot would be good since it cures slow and will penetrate the wood better. If you are filling a void, then a thickened epoxy mixture would be good since its cheaper and will cure much faster. Also the thickener will improve the durability of the epoxy.
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You can use West Six 10 to fill voids yes. Kinda pricey but the system is very easy to use, no mixing or measuring, less mess, remember to buy a few extra mixing tips if you do buy it. You can also go with traditional West epoxy and add some thickeners.
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5 square feet is a lot of epoxy. Be careful not to mix too much at one time, the epoxy will over heat, not good. Maybe get a slow hardener for that.
Maybe you should think about cutting open the deck and putting some coring back in. 5 sq feet of solid epoxy might not be so good, might not flex enough. Just a thought.
Maybe you should think about cutting open the deck and putting some coring back in. 5 sq feet of solid epoxy might not be so good, might not flex enough. Just a thought.
If you really have 5 square feet to fill, DON'T! That's too much for a solid plug. Replace the coring, no question.
Otherwise, just anything initially that is THIN. The problem with squirting epoxy is that you can't rough anything up to key into the surface, so you fill the void but don't really adhere. Thinner products will soak in a little more and mitigate SOME of the adhesion challenge which you really can't remedy completely without opening up the area. Once you have the thin to the gel cure stage you can come back and use a thicker product.
I generally don't use something like git rot because its expensive for what it is (generic epoxy is much more versatile and less cost) if you have more than just a little area to do. If you just buy epoxy and thickeners you can do everything for only a tiny bit more work.
Otherwise, just anything initially that is THIN. The problem with squirting epoxy is that you can't rough anything up to key into the surface, so you fill the void but don't really adhere. Thinner products will soak in a little more and mitigate SOME of the adhesion challenge which you really can't remedy completely without opening up the area. Once you have the thin to the gel cure stage you can come back and use a thicker product.
I generally don't use something like git rot because its expensive for what it is (generic epoxy is much more versatile and less cost) if you have more than just a little area to do. If you just buy epoxy and thickeners you can do everything for only a tiny bit more work.
I see the argument for not filling with epoxy only. If I am going to open up the flybridge deck and replace the core material, what should I use? End grain balsa or marine plywood? Are they interchangeable? What are the benefits of one over the other and will I have to do the entire flybridge deck or can I peice it in?
I woudl use CoreCell foam or Divinylcell foam. if the surringing fiberglass is fairly thick
Otherwise go with the balsa as it has the highest strength factor. You want to figure out how the water got there and ensure any deck holes are properly sealed with epoxy to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Otherwise go with the balsa as it has the highest strength factor. You want to figure out how the water got there and ensure any deck holes are properly sealed with epoxy to ensure it doesn't happen again.
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I'd go with foam coring like Scott recommended. Does not rot like Balsa or plywood.
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Did you call Boatfix yet?
We aren't allowed to post names of competitors here.
We aren't allowed to post names of competitors here.
Blues cat, Boatfix didn't have it, I used a marine suppply house in Waterford CT for my source, I'll leave the searching up to you to avoid violating forum rules. I'm sure you can find it closer. If their are any boat builders or shipyards in your area they will know where to get it.
Teh two brands I know of are CoreCell and DiVinylCell
Teh two brands I know of are CoreCell and DiVinylCell
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Yeah, the big D has it.
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Interesting question and answers. I didn't even know this repair was possible. I always assumed a void in the core meant I needed to pass on purchasing the boat.