Cockpit re-coring

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Apr 06, 2004 7:49 am

Has anyone ever re-cored their cockpit? I'm guessing that this is a fairly common drawback as I've seen it on just about every fiberglass cockpit I've seen (mine included). I've got a quote to re-core the deck for about $600-$700. He already did the hatches for $330. A new cockpit from Hightide Marine is $3K. I started pulling the cockpit up this past weekend. Besides the screws/silicone holding it down along the outside edge, screws along the top of the bulkhead between the gennie and fuel tank and an a bracket that is bolted to the bulkhead from the fuel tank side, is the deck mechanically fastened anywhere else? The bracket was hard to get at since the only way to access the nuts is to feel your way around the small hatch above the fuel sender. I'm pretty sure I've broken the silicone seal all the way around, but the deck still seems pretty stuck around the bulkhead area. Anyone attempted this before? Thanks, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 4:35 pm

Doug, looks like you're the sole guinea pig in this project. How are you making out? Did you get the deck lifted yet? If not, how about some 2x4's across the stringers & one under the deck with a bottle jack between. Crank a little & then wait & see if any adhesive starts to let go. Good Luck Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:45 am

Al, I was actually able to pop it out this past friday. The aluminum bracket is actually for the fighting chair. There was nothing else holding it down. With a little muscle I was able to pop it out. Hopefully the fiberglass guy (Dennis Ducette) can get to it this week. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 6:27 am

I've heard that Dennis does top quality work, BUT he can slow due to the amount of work he gets. Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 6:46 am

Al, I've used him in the past and you are correct, he does do top quality work. He has already re-cored the hatches, in fact it only took him a week to get them back to me. Hopefully he's not too super busy yet and he'll turn around the cockpit just as fast. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth