Deck Construction

I was just reading the most recent issue of Seaworthy from BoatUS and there is an article on inspecting older sailboats. The section on deck construction and problems that can arise has the following statement: "Nearly all sailboats built in the 1980s or later have a deck comprised of a core made from balsa or some sort of composite material sandwiched between two fiberglass skins" Most of our Cals (mine included) were probably built in the 1970's I would think. What kind of deck construction was common during that era, and does anyone know what Jensen Marine was doing at the time? Bob Andrew Cal 39 Nereid

My 29 is a1974, it had plywood as the core and yes, it was in bad shape. It wicked water like a sponge. That said, some boats develop problems some don't. The key is make sure your deck fittings are well bedded and not leaking. I think most boats have some water in the core, are weaker because of it, but for the type of sailing the vast majority of people do, the decrease in strength is not an issue. I sailed a j24 that had a wet deck for years. It is still wet and still being sailed, 15 years later. Not as strong as it was, but strong enough to have fun. Jim East Coast Cal 29 sailor.