I see this quoted frequently. Does this refer to a delamination of the glass composite, or some other fiberglass issue? I am assuming that there is little to no wood backing or forming in these modern (post 70's) hulls, hence it would likely be a resin / cloth disassociation issue?
Thank you for the input.
Soft spot = delamination. The only wood I am aware of it the transoms of some boats.
Construction consists of resin and cloth throw up on a form with a foam core, moisture/wear causes resin&cloth to separate from foam core leaving the outer skin with no foundation/support, hence "soft spots".
The foam core is not required to delaminate. Layers of glass also separate from each other.
Thank you.
Yes but a foam core is required for soft spots. Delammed glass by itself just crackles and oil cans excesively then eventually cracks and breaks. That doesnt happen as often is soft spots in foam laminate.
I looked at a solid glass 5.2 this spring that everything aft of the rear beam had delaminated. It was just as soft as any junk hobie I have messed with. I would call a soft spot a soft spot, foam core or not.
That is pretty unusual, usually you will see crazing, cracking and leaking before it gets that soft. Unless someone painted over it. Soft spots are insidious in the foam laminate hulls because if the core and backing are delammed, you won't see anything on the hull itself. Until of course you put your hand through it...
Best example of how to identify it I know of.
Quarath wrote: Best example of how to identify it I know of.
Thank you
That explains it perfectly. I guess these were not vacuum formed over the foam cores or the cores were hydrophobic. I get it now and understand how to find it.