Originally posted by Ed Austin:
I just hit a rock a 5 knots. Loosened all that pesky vermiculite up. Did end up paying the yard to replace the vermiculite. They managed to do this without ripping up the floor.
Do not attempt this at home. This stunt was performed in open water by untrained sailors.
Was there any damage other than the vermiculite cracking? Mine cracked too after hitting a rock, but I don't see any other damage. It was dry and solid, so I have to think that it was adding to the stiffness of the boat i.e. nothing else cracked so that was the stiffest portion (even though not the strongest of course.)
Can't imagine though that vermiculite under the floor boards actually is required for the structure.
