18' Procraft with some soft spots

[Cadwelder]

Hey all, just a quick question for the experts. My 1987 Procraft (bought new) has some soft spots in the deck so I'm sure there is more rotten wood elsewhere below the floor (deck). My question is, is it safe to run the boat? If the stringers are rotten as well could a serious accident occur from weakness in the hull?

Thanks
Dave

 

[westexasrepublic]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

ask this guy, and mute the video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9KDg1vaLGU&feature=related

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

Welcome to iBoats!

Answer to your question is difficult. Without KNOWING the extent of the Rot, it is almost impossible to make that call. Stringers DO give the basic structural integrity to the boat and if they are totally rotted then your boat could be at risk. Without further investigation no one can give you that answer. You WILL have to, at the very least, cut some exploratory holes in the deck to get to the stringers below to do further tests on their integrity. You should also check your transom. If the Deck and stringers have been compromised there is a good possibility that the transom will need some work too! 23 yr old boat, you've owned it since day one How much water above decks??? Rain? Ski Locker, Wash over, Transom drill thrus?? etc...

Pics are always welcome. Check my signature for how to post em.
NOTE: OMIT STEP #14 Do Not remove the Attachments.


I'm just sayin...

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

Thanks I'll do some more checking, I've actually helped a friend replace a deck and stringers several years ago and remember it wasn't a fun project, but somewhat rewarding. I'll let you know the extentof the rotten wood The boats seems okay on the water, I don't notice any problems, but wanted to check with the experts.

Dave

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

From what I understand, ProCrafts aren't particularly well built. Fellow moderator Bob_VT managed to split the hull on one that wasn't even rotted. I'd check it out thoroughly.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

I've done some detailed investigation and I certainly have some rotten stringers but only a couple small soft stops in the floor. From all I can tell the transom seems quite solid. I guess I'll seperate the cap from the hull this winter and start the repairs. I'll post some "as we go along pics" if you want.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

Anyone have experinece with this particular model 1987 Procraft 1780? Wondering if there are any tips before removing the top cap?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

Welcome to iBoats!
This might be of some help.
http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69358&d=1286050263

Looks like the way these boats are designed make them a challenge to rebuild. If you decide to do it just remember that Patience is a virtue and BEER make everything go easier.

I'm just sayin...

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

Thanks Woodonglass, I've pulled up the carpet and it appears the floor was installed then the top cap set in and glassed all the way around the floor. A simple cut all the way around will release it.

As I said I've helped a friend do the same thing several years ago, but his top cap wasn't glassed to the floor, it was just screwed down.

I've removed a couple of the engine mounting bolts and checked for wet transom wood and it's dry as a chip there and seems very solid. I drilled a couple of three inch exploratory holes and the stringers also are very solid, or at least where I can see.

If the top cap is removed will I need to get the boat off the trailer and support in from stands to prevent warping the hull or can this be done on the trailer?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 18' Procraft with some soft spots

Either way. Trailer or build a cart to sit it on. I like lowering em down onto a cart for easier access. Hull warpage should NOT be an issue even with the top cap off. You can always put some braces in if you think it is.

Post some pics so we can see what you're dealin with.

I'm just sayin...