Looking for advice...

[DennisM]

Hello all.

I have been working on getting a '86 FW Horizon 190 going. Got her running fixed a crack in the block, she floats and runs. Working on rest of motor issues in water..

BUT here is my question. The boat sat for about a year and a half. Over the winter the cover had a small tear that just as you can guess split completely. The previous owner never bothered to repair or clean out the snow.

The main parts of the deck feel solid, but the ski cover and the fuel tank cover are very soft and obviously rotted. The fuel cover is screwed on. I plan on fixing that very shortly. BUT since I do not want to do a complete floor resto this season, (really want to boat) I was thinking of replacing that cover with a wood cover. Thinking of using either Oak or Maple, runners about 3" wide, stained a dark cherry.

Is this a feasible solution? would it be strong enough? I guess that all depends on the strength of the stringers on the sides of the fuel cell area right?

Depending on how the moto holds up after the repair, I will most likely do a complete restoration over the winter on the deck..

Thanks in advance
Dennis

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Looking for advice...

Safety should be your #1 concern. If you have that kind of water intrusion and softness I would be concerned with what is below decks. Those two areas are the most common areas for causing MAJOR structural damage below deck on boats like yours. Nothing ruins a day at the lake like a sinking boat. You should really make SURE that ALL is well before you hit the water.

I would err on the side of safety and cut some exploratory holes and see what lies below. If your motor mounts are rotted and the motor comes loose while running full throttle you could have major issues.

I'm just sayin...

 

[DennisM]

Re: Looking for advice...

Thanks for the tip there. Ya losing a motor mount at full bore would be a wild ride!

Here is a pic of the front mounts. I can say when she is running the only movement I can see is it vibrating on the top of the mount. The hull area around them sound SOLID when hit with a hammer.

I pulled the carpet back a couple in's right there and there is a little cracking of the glass but nothing major. still solid when hit, but over the winter I think a deck replacement would be worth the winter time spent, (when not on the sled)

Will be pulling the fuel cover today when I am out there replacing the trim pump assm. And see what lies beneath there.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Looking for advice...

Take a 1/4 inch drill and drill a few holes and see if you get dry or wet shavings. Then fill the holes with some 3M 5200 sealant.