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In a special Op-Ed piece, PBR contributor Rick Strand explains how and why boatbuilders can easily mishandle the installation of end-grain balsa coring.

It’s not the balsa that’s the problem ûbut its installation. Water penetrated this Sea Ray’s sidedeck, which re- sulted in the rotted, black balsa.

I have closely followed the developments resulting from Powerboat Reports’ exposure of the core problems associated with some large Sea Ray boats. I felt compelled to attempt to draw a clear perspective of cored construction for the concerned owner and future customer. I have had the pleasure of being responsible for the structural engineering design, materials, manufacturing processes and quality efforts at several high-quality marine manufacturers in the US marine industry. I have also had the pleasure of captaining a business providing expertise and executing projects in the areas of composite failure analysis, testing and specialized research. Much of this has dealt with marine composites. …