Matt, Bruckmann’s 1969/70 build crew did many things well. I have heard stories of the original boat owner pushing the build crew to hurry up so they could launch (as Arieto) in time for the 1971 SORC. I found hand written notes on some of the 43 build documents indicating C&C and Bruckmann learned from teething issues found in the first 43 and 61 hulls built and made changes to later hulls.
Most of the hull and bulkhead/deck structure has held up well given 50 years of being “ridden hard and put away wet”. Much of Calypso’s plywood bulkhead rot issues stem from water seeping in through micro fractures in the hull just forward of the keel. I expect the more enthusiastic race crews pushing the boat hard and pumping the backstay adjuster up to 11 stressed the laminate. (I have been part of race crews guilty of this with mottos like: “nothing performs like a loaner” and “drive it like it’s stolen”) Most of the balsa rot was caused by extra holes added after the boat was launched. We repaired and sealed over 300 holes, many discovered when sanding off layers of paint. Over the years the holes were temporarily sealed with various materials but not any that would be considered permanent. One of the surprise leaks into balsa was caused by a broken plastic port frame. The plastic port was not installed by Bruckmann. Its location on the cockpits forward bulkhead made it vulnerable to impact. The frame cracked in a way that did not show but allowed water to leak into the balsa. From the advanced stage of rot I expect the leak was active for over 30 years. That leak ran down the bulkhead, across under the bridge deck and around the corner to affect the cockpit sides. I bet Calypso is now as strong as it was when new, maybe stronger in those areas we reinforced. Hopefully the boat will survive the next 50 years of being ridden hard and put away wet. Martin DeYoung Calypso 1971 C&C 43 Seattle/Port Townsend yard Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10 From: Matthew via CnC-List<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2021 7:42 PM To: 'Stus-List'<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Matthew<mailto:wolf...@erie.net> Subject: Stus-List Re: fun with moisture meter and how/if to fix wet spot Martin: I feel your Bruckmann-induced pain. Matt 1976 C&C 42 Custom
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