a rotten grady white

[big worm]

i knew there was a little rot, i figured probably a bulkhead after doing some research. there is a really soft spot on the portside midship near the centerline. i dont know squat about boats, but i decided to tackle this project after a quote of 3-5000 dollars. so i took everything out of the boat.<br />the boat is a 24' grady white center console. i took it completely apart, and to my surprise, there was 2 100.5 gallon gas tanks. after more investigation, i find that one tank has a west marine label on it and it looks like someone actually cut out a bulkhead to install this tank near the stern. when they put the top(I dont know the name, the panel you walk on) back on, apparently they didnt seal any screwholes, so water has been a flowing into the bulkheads.<br />so now i realize im in way over my head. so far, everything from 6' from bow to 1' before transom is COMPLETELY rotted out. i tore everything out with my bare hands it was so bad. the woven roven was so delaminated, it came out with slight yanking. <br />i now know i need to make a whole new stringer sytem w/ bulkheads, and ive never done fiberglass or boats before. any advice will be great! to start with, <br />1. how can i check for transom rot? it seems really solid, but i still want to check now that the boat is apart, and i want to go about 60 miles offshore, so safety is a priority. it is one of those closed transoms with the motor bracket for a single 300hp outboard.<br />2. when i put the stringers in, do i laminate them to the existing foam core with epoxy and fiberglass cloth? what wood do i use? i am thinking about using birch 3/4 ply b/c i have some that has been inside for a long time and i know it is completely dry. what do you think?<br /><br />thanks for any input

 

[Solittle]

Re: a rotten grady white

To check the transom for rot take a hammer (I use one with a plastic head) and tap all around the inside and outside of the transom. If there is rot the sound will be more of a thud than a whack. If you do have rot you will almost be able to draw a line around the area just by the sound.<br /><br />As to all the other questions both asked and yet to be asked - - all the answers are already here. Take the time to read gobs of posts and replys from guys who have been through it. Also take the time to learn the red search at the top of the page.<br /><br />I would be more concerned with the woven roven delaminating than the wood rot. Can you post some pictures?<br /><br />Oh and a big welcome!!! I have a feeling that you will be around for a while. It may seem like it is an overwhelming job but it is one composed of a lot of little steps.

 

[big worm]

Re: a rotten grady white

thanks for the comments. pictures are worth a thousand words, so ill try to post some. how do you post to this forum?<br /><br />i have been looking through everything, and have already learned so much. thanks everyone.<br /><br />as far as the transom goes, it seems really sturdy, with no signs of weakening. when beaten on, it all sounds the same, but i dont know if that is a thud or a whack. also, i am worried that what seems strong in my yard my be weak very far offshore. should i drill holes in the transom to check for rot? can i take existing bolts out and determine if it is rotted?<br /><br />thanks for the reply<br /><br />thanks,<br />jeremy

 

[trackersocha]

Re: a rotten grady white

pack it up and send it to San Angelo,tx<br />i cannot be repaired

 

[big worm]

Re: a rotten grady white

Originally posted by trackersocha:<br /> pack it up and send it to San Angelo,tx<br />i cannot be repaired

did you mean IT cant be repaired? i dont understand.

 

[lark2004]

Re: a rotten grady white

yes, he meant IT, <br />It's a little joke that we have here. <br />Anytime a project seems to big for someone, we tell them it's beyond repair and just send it to us to take care of.

 

[trackersocha]

Re: a rotten grady white

yes, i am sorry for the confusion. and if you search the forum you will find more info than you need. it is a doable project given that you have the tools, the time, and a little folding cash. <br />happy fiberglassing

 

[big worm]

Re: a rotten grady white

alright, im already scared enough, i dont need a heart attack. im known for getting myself in too deep to projects.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: a rotten grady white

Plan out your work, take your time, don't create deadlines for yourself and enjoy the project.

 

[kfraser]

Re: a rotten grady white

You'll do fine Bigworm. It will seem like slow going at first, but before you know it you'll be making strides. Lots of help here on Iboats from all levels of experience. <br /><br />Some of the guys here use Share-A-Project website to upload their photo's to. You can then post a link to your project by using the full reply form button on the bottom of this page. Here is mine: 21' Larson Commander You can also use a number of photo hosting sites, upload your photos to them and then insert the URL for each photo. Hope this helps.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: a rotten grady white

Here is a quik FAQ I wrote on posting pictures...<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=54;t=000004 <br /><br />We REALLY like pictures here <br /><br />-JMW

 

[Indymike]

Re: a rotten grady white

Spend some time reading previous posts in this forum and you will find a project to follow. Don't get overwelmed. Inch by inch it's a cinch.<br />For a little encouragement click on my link below. Ran out of server space so its not completely up to date but it will take you thru the transom,stringer and sole process.<br />Enjoy the journey... it's way cool when you float your boat again.<br /><br />Mike

 

[mikemerrill50]

Re: a rotten grady white

hey dude... i live in charleston, too, and i will be doing my stringers around march 12 when i'm home for spring break (i go to school at app state in boone, nc). i will let you know how it goes once i'm done. or, once i get a couple days in the project, you can come over and check it out (when i'm trying something out that i haven't really done before, i have to be alone). whereabouts do you live? and since you ahven't posted on this thread in a while, what's the progress with your boat? are you still going to try it?

 

[glasply1]

Re: a rotten grady white

Spend $3 for the West Systems book on fiberglass boat repair. Take your time. Do one small job (if there is such a thing in your situation) at a time and get the fiberglassin' down pat. That book has a chapter on almost every major job you've mentioned. What have you got to lose?

 

[glasply1]

Re: a rotten grady white

Forgot to mention one other thing and that is to get the boat as dry as you can before you start doing any fiberglass work.