What years did Sea Ray start using balsa?

[dto605]

I am looking at an older Sea Ray and have read a lot cautioning prospective boat buyers about balsa cores. Does anyone know when they started using the material?

 

[AKBASSKING]

I renovated my fwd hatches and mine has balsa filling in it.

 

[dto605]

What about before Brunswick bought Sea Ray? Late 1970s?

 

[Asureyez]

Balsa coring in and of itself is agreat boat construction material for above water line topsides and decks. It is light strong and flexible when used properly.

The proble with Balsa has been from poor construction techniques that allowed raw coring to be exposed to water intrustion at port lights, hatches and thru hull fittings etc.

All to often the builder relied on a squirt of 5200 Acrylic down a bolt hole to water proof things. What should have been done is each cut out and drill hole sealed and faired where possible with epoxy before mounting or fastening anything.

A balsa cored deck is going to be insulated from the sun and will retain warmth in the winter. It will be strong and light.

A lot to be said positive for Balsa coring.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I agree with Chad. There is nothing inherently wrong with balsa core. In fact, many hi-performance boat builders use balsa core due to it's high strength-to-weight issue. If you're looking at a used boat and it is solid - chances are it's going to stay that way. You can have a hull survey done, if you want.

That being said, I can't offer help on what year SR used/didn't use it - that's above my pay grade:smt001. Also, it's not just a "year" thing. It will depend on model, as well.

 

[dto605]

So nobody knows?

 

[mwph]

I've read here on CSR that it is year, model and I think even plant specific as to weather or not the boat has a balsa wood core and that you can call Sea Ray with the HIN & they can tell you if the boat has it or not.

I'm guessing that if you post the exact year & size you may get a more definitive answer.

 

[fwebster]

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[dto605]

I've read here on CSR that it is year, model and I think even plant specific as to weather or not the boat has a balsa wood core and that you can call Sea Ray with the HIN & they can tell you if the boat has it or not.

I'm guessing that if you post the exact year & size you may get a more definitive answer.

Its a 1978 SRV 300 Express

Thanks.

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

So nobody knows?

My boat has plywood core for stringers and transom.