cores

[Flying Flivver]

So what is commonly thought of Polypropylene Honeycomb core in boat construction?, is it hard to use?, and can it be used in a transom?

[Herman]

I would no use it in surfaces that are in contact with water. I have built a boat like that once, and it had continuous problems with water logging.

For a transom I would use a high density foam, or perhaps wood, if you know what you are doing.

[michael pierzga]

I only work on boats . My observation is that On composite boats foam is the core used in primary structures. I only see Honeycombs used for interior furniture. Im looking at a door right now that is honeycomb. When I talk to builders they prefer foam because it is versatile , easy to shape, form, taper and construct with. Honeycomb is not.

[Herman]

the polypropylene is easy to work with. It is skinned with a layer of PP film and PET non-woven, which makes laminating it a cinch. It also conforms nicely to shape. I needed only 6 pieces of PP honeycomb, instead of 22 pieces of foam.

It is damage tolerant, due to its low shear modulus. Thus stiffness is not great. When broken, it is a pig to repair, as you cannot bond anything to the PP cell walls.

[Flying Flivver]

Thanks,
I want the boat to be light and long lasting so repairs are posible. High density foam it is.