1990 Maxum 2400SC rotten floor question

[cobra8432]

Hi there.
I bought a boat the other day simply because of the fact that the motor and drive were brand spankin' new ($6000, i saw the repair bills). So basically i got the boat for free. The boat looks pretty good also, don't get me wrong, but when i opened the storage compartment in the center of the boat used for storing the anchor and anchor line) i noticed a piece of fiberglass cracked right in the center of the storage, exposing the plywood underneath. When i pushed on the wood with my finger, it went right thru (oops). I started to remove the cracked fiberglass and i also took out a piece of plywood, all rotten and smelly, about 16x32 inches (came out in a million pieces, mind you). Under the plywood was a hollow opening with a couple of tubes at both ends (drainage from adjacent compartments?) and then the bottom of the boat. Can i just leave the opening like that, will it affect the structure of the hull, or do i have to install new plywood and fiberglass it over? All the other floors are solid, on deck and in the cuddy.
Any input will be appreciated.
Tks much,
L.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: 1990 Maxum 2400SC rotten floor question

Have no real hands on experience in this matter boat have read a ton and from my readings I have learned that the first thing to do is take core samples by drilling holes in various places and seening if you come up with dry wood. But! and thats a big but attached to denial where there is rot there is most definately going to be more so pick your poison and do a search on deck rot (set aside an afternoon) most likely you will be at least looking at replacing the deck and stringers and possibly the transom witch would involve removung the motor and outdrive then more grinding,fiberglassing and wood working and all that after you have basically gutted the boat. This type of project for a novice should only be taken on when you have adaquit workshop and or garage to fit the whole boat (2 car) over the winter and only after pleanty of research and saving and buying the proper supplies. If you decide to take on this project if needed you will literally have a new boat when complete and have saved thousands and probably spent thousands as well. There are very experienced people hear that will walk you through the whole proceess. Good luck

 

[cobra8432]

Re: 1990 Maxum 2400SC rotten floor question

That's the thing, you see....i did some reading also and, after doing test holes and feeling the sawdust (came out dry dry) and plugging them back up, i came to the conclusion that it was the only spot with rot. Sooo, is it necessary to replace that piece, is it structural, considering it's only 16"x32", or do i just put a piece of new plywood in the hole and go have fun on the water without having to worry about the darn thing folding in half (ouch)
L.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: 1990 Maxum 2400SC rotten floor question

If it were me I would use the boat throughout the summer and keep trying to pick up the deck in the areas surrounding the rotted area to see how far it's spread if at all. If you plan on repairing the small section you speak of it would be for not if you do not encapsulate the whole repair on both sides to prevent water intrusion.

 

[83mulligan]

Re: 1990 Maxum 2400SC rotten floor question

if you have some pictures of the area there are some really good folks on here to tell you if its structural and where else to look. If you have one piece that rotten and it is structural (the sole) the people here can help you look at other critical areas.