RE: Rookie needs Help/Advise on fiberglassing a Balsa/Ply Hydroplane
Balsa not only will absorb resin, if not sealed will absorb water also, causing
premature failure of the internal structual parts. I ran model boats for 20 years
before getting back into aircraft and have used all types of materials to build
boats with, except balsa because of it's sponge like chacteristics. For the size
of the boat being built, it was not a wise choice of material to plank the boat with.
Okoume plywood would have been a better choice of wood, it is light and very
flexible and more importantly marine grade ply. It also has the strength of aircraft
grade ply, but is more flexible.