SO 39DS hull and deck construction

[Elcano]

First of all a big thank you for the value information in this forum. I am reading for a while and am close to buy a SO DS39. 

My wife and I will predominantly cruise the mediterranean and will sail to north or baltic sea once a year for an extended time. We want to live comfortably for up to two months on the yacht. Safety, seaworthiness and comfort is our priority, speed is of secondary interest.

Because I will buy a pre owned boat, one of my main concerns is the construction and quality of the hull and the deck. IN the owners manual I found here, it is clear that the deck is balsa cored. The description turns a bit diffuse with the hull.
Is it correct that the hull does not have a balsa core, neither above nor below the waterline ? That would be in my opinion a big plus for the Jeanneaus. The other big brands deliver either no information or are completely balsa cored. 

Am I also correct that the hull of the DS39 has a resin vacuum infusion process?

Thank you very much for your help.

Cheers
Thomas

[MalcolmP]

You are correct, deck does have a balsa core. Should be OK, but if it has teak decks worth double checking how that is fixed.

The topsides do not have any core or foam, solid lay-up.

The deck of the sister 39i is resin infused, I guess, but don't know that it the same for the 39DS, but you should be able to check in the stern cabin, if there is no headliner, it will be resin infused.

Good luck looking for a suitable one.

[Elcano]

Thank you MalcolmP, a teak deck is a real no go for me.
Interesting fact about the head liner. Thanks.

[zaphod]

A solid hull is actually not as good as a cored hull. The cored hull is both stiffer and lighter than a solid hull. Unfortunately cored hulls are only found on higher end boats, because they are so much more expensive to build.

I believe the teak decks are glued down on the 39i and DS or at least the cockpit and transom teak are, so water infiltration through nail holes is not a concern. Certainly the maintenance of older teak decks is still something to consider.

[Elcano]

Thank you Zaphod, appreciate your thoughts. I know that the „cored“ or „solid“ question is not an easy one and intensely debated. I found my personal peace with it and made a decision. Time will tell  . 

Cheers
Thomas