hydrostream core substitute

**blackbullet40** · 11-09-2015, 08:29 PM

im looking to buy my first hydrostream. i was looking at a viper and i heard alot of people say there good hydrostreams and then theres the bad ones which need to be recored. if i do need to recore it can i just add more layers of fiberglass instead of doing a recore

. any input would be appreciated

**transomstand** · 11-09-2015, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by blackbullet40

if i do need to recore it can i just add more layers of fiberglass instead of doing a recore

Yes you can, but a cored laminate is better

**outasite** · 11-09-2015, 09:43 PM

Maybe I'm not reading your post right.If your asking if you can add more layers of glass over the core without removing it I would say No,the rotten core will leave voids in the bottom that will lead to delamination.But some have removed the old core and replaced with LOTS of glass.

**Li'l Toy** · 11-09-2015, 09:56 PM

Yah--what Outasite said. And I love Hydrostreams, but finding one that does not need a core, floor and transom is very unusual.

**dumbnfun2** · 11-09-2015, 10:09 PM

No .... That would b very dangerous ...

**transomstand** · 11-10-2015, 07:08 AM

I may have read the question incorrectly, since the hack of glassing over a bad core is beyond my imagination, however there may be some benefit. If it was really well sealed, the hull might still float when the bottom falls off.

**josh7_78** · 11-10-2015, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by transomstand

I may have read the question incorrectly, since the hack of glassing over a bad core is beyond my imagination, however there may be some benefit. If it was really well sealed, the hull might still float when the bottom falls off.

There is probably chance of this as crazy as it sounds, but whatever glass is there will probably be blown open from water pressure that just ripped the bottom of the boat off at speed. Ask me how I know.

**XstreamVking** · 11-10-2015, 02:16 PM

Josh, some pics would be a good deterrent to someone trying to make it last a little longer before the re-core happens.

**rjdubiel** · 11-10-2015, 03:18 PM

I would go as far as to say some recore jobs will need another. All depends on where the previous owners keep the boat. I would not buy one that sits outside. The longest mine get to do that is a weekend, then back inside! Remember that these materials will let water through them over time (gel and poly/vinyl resins), extended periods in the water or sitting out in the elements can do damage over time that will cause issues in the future or for future owners. A recore from 5 years ago could be in need of attention. When I got my Vking and started to pull the bad core in the bow I found that the "year old core" under the floor was not installed correctly. Each block of balsa just popped right out once I got to dry new balsa that I had the receipt from the previous owners (Boatec in Green Bay, WI was the firm. They do fiberglass bodies for trucks and off road vehicles. So remember when a company says they use fiberglass all the time, some do not understand how these boats were built and how strong they really need to be).

**josh7_78** · 11-10-2015, 03:21 PM

So this happened to my Vector at speed due to old/blistered gel coat right in the middle of the pad. The gel delaminated, blew a chunk of core into the boat, filled the entire pad/subfloor up to the bow with water while blowing open the raised fiberglass bow support and filling the boat with water. Put the boat on shore and was able to get across river to a launch before things got worse. Old, blistered gel did this so imagine what rotten core will do...FAIL

**transomstand** · 11-10-2015, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by josh7_78

So this happened to my Vector at speed due to old/blistered gel coat right in the middle of the pad. The gel delaminated, blew a chunk of core into the boat, filled the entire pad/subfloor up to the bow with water while blowing open the raised fiberglass bow support and filling the boat with water. Put the boat on shore and was able to get across river to a launch before things got worse. Old, blistered gel did this so imagine what rotten core will do...FAIL

That balsa looks very light in color, like a recore that didn't adhere well?

**BeefKid** · 11-10-2015, 03:44 PM

all old core has to be removed... my brothers vegas delaminated bout 4' of the pad almost threw him out bruised couple ribs and was only doin 40-50 cruising back to the ramp water up to his feet in secs...

i did the core delete on my vector... removed core and did this
Started with a layer of 1708 on the bottom then made the stringer bulkhead cradle

Worked great was very strong... took the boat in the gulf every weekend and had no issues

**josh7_78** · 11-10-2015, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by transomstand

That balsa looks very light in color, like a recore that didn't adhere well?

That could have added to the weak outter gel. The core was probably 5 years old at the time of incident and was submerged for a couple hours. The surrounding core was replaced.

**idvette** · 11-10-2015, 07:25 PM

Did you weigh the boat before and after? I thought about going this way on my rebuild, but decided against it after figuring out what was needed for materials. In talks with my rebuilder we determined a proper core/floor rebuild was going to be lighter and structurally stronger. Mine is a 16' Vision with minimal core though....

Edit.... Was supposed to include BeefKid's post here....