I'm in the process of correcting core damage to the side decks, from below. The starboard side is complete, but the port side remains. I'm loathe to remove the galley so I am limiting my repairs to the easily accessible areas, although I suspect the water damage does include the inaccessible areas.
But, to my question. The side decks are quite wide, and have a lot of unsupported area that flexes considerably underfoot (easily observed from below). The port repair helped a bit with this, but the springiness remains. There are no cracks in the gelcoat or fiberglass but it just seems this area flexes more than it should. So I am wondering if I should I add a longitudinal stringer in the middle of the side decks "while I am in there" to help reduce flex? Or is this simply a fools errand? After all it was designed this way and it has lasted 30+ years.
Any and all advice welcome.
Thanks.
But, to my question. The side decks are quite wide, and have a lot of unsupported area that flexes considerably underfoot (easily observed from below). The port repair helped a bit with this, but the springiness remains. There are no cracks in the gelcoat or fiberglass but it just seems this area flexes more than it should. So I am wondering if I should I add a longitudinal stringer in the middle of the side decks "while I am in there" to help reduce flex? Or is this simply a fools errand? After all it was designed this way and it has lasted 30+ years.
Any and all advice welcome.
Thanks.