How Difficult is it to replace decks on a Nacra I17R or any boat for that matter. Assuming the decks have cracks in the top surface (from a knee or two)?
Is it worth to attempt yourself or should you seek a professional?
Please advise.
Thanks, Ken
it depends. There are deck "plates" that separate from the rest of the hull on the inters. Getting them off and sealing the new ones isn't east though. If you've got substantial cracks (not just gelcoat) in your hulls then you should really be taking it to someone who knows what they are looking at becasuse it could be a case of structural failure (reference H20 hulls "cracking" around the front crossbeam back in the day)
Ken, check your PM.
Hi,
These are attached with ordinary resin so it's pretty easy to get them of and do repairs (in case of hull damage) they can be sealed easily enough with clear silicone however if they're actually cracked you'll need to repair (reinforce with glass) or replace them with a new set from performance. 
I'm in the process of being taught how to repair a torn deck on an H16. The deck seperated from the hull and tore off at the shrowd. We have to rebuild the cupped lip on the the hull and then reattach the deck using some funky resin stuff (I will find out what it is called tomorrow). My newbiness is showing through.
-Rob V.
Panama City
Nacra 5.2
Ken,
Talk to Wiz when he finishes up at the North Americans this week. He has done it lots of times (and does a beautiful job, BTW). Biggie also knows. If I needed it done, I would see if I could get Wiz to do it. Before you do anything, make sure it is not just gelcoat cracks (fairly common) and that something really needs to be done that requires removal of the decks.
Ken,
Hello, I have some little cracks on my deck also, exactly where my weight spends most of it's time on the deck.
I look at them closely,...they do not flex.... they do not open under a load.
I just leave them alone.
Heck, we sail in coastal to open ocean,..with wind( 15-20) and wave(+/- 3) as normal ( if it is under 10 mph,...we don't go out...how is that for spoiled...). Meaning alot of the decks are submerged a bunch..
..and my hulls are still bone dry.
I suggest, if there is no water leakage,..determined by dry hulls after sailing............and it is mostly esthetic,..GO SAILING MON!
I nice feature that the factory may consider, is strenghtening the deck area from rear crossbeam forward about 12 inches or so,..which is where the most of the driver action is...
...heck, when I am flying in off the trap in extreme wave action,.I am sure that I am less than graceful with my weight placement,..so I suspect one pounds-a-deck more than you realize..that is having fun,..right!
regards,
Bruce
I-17 #50
St. Croix 