1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186s deck repair

[bkwarford]

1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186s deck repair
200 HP Mercruiser I/O Alpha One out drive

I live in Plano Texas. I have owned this boat since 2004.

While preparing the boat for this summer I noticed three soft spots on the interior deck floor. One spot just in front of the motor. It had a 3/8 inch plywood board bare with no protective coating or covering. This board covers the aluminum gas tank. It was obvious a cheap fix from a previous owner.

So I cut a 1/2 inch plywood board to replace it. I also replaced its 2x2 side to side supports with thicker 2x4s and added one extra side to side support for coverage every 14 inches along the 4 foot section. Right now my new piece is bare plywood. I'm researching what to use to protect and strengthen it. Any suggestions or advise is welcome?

The other two spots are in front of the driver and passenger seats. So I cut a section of carpet under the drivers seat to inspect the floor. I noticed a crack along what appears to be a seam in the floor.

From there I figured it was necessary to remove all the carpet. I have stood around in other areas to test. All other areas of the floor seem fine. I drill checked the stringers from around the sides of the gas tank, inside the ski locker, and motor mount area with no apparent issue.

I have been reading other forum postings and now my head is starting to hurt. So I post here to request your thoughts of how to fix the crack? Strengthen the two approx. 10 inch soft spots? And what to use to protect the bare plywood?

I have used Marine Tex in the past to repair cracks along the keel edge back when I first bought the boat. Would Marine Tex seal and strengthen the floor crack?


regards, Brad

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186s deck repair

Welcome aboard!! I am up the street from you in Frisco. The short answer is to use Chop Strand mat with resin to seal it up for sure. However, look at my Sea Ray thread to see why you should really check into it more. You might have a rot issue.

Cool boat. What lake do you hit?

 

[scipper77]

Re: 1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186s deck repair

I have that same boat (almost). Mine is a 1985 Scorpion 168. Anyways, my floors are solid but the areas on either side of the motor are slightly higher than the center section. Your pictures show me exactly what is going on. The wood under the carpet is epoxied, but that center piece is not.

Do you think you could put up more pictures of the deck?

I'll be watching this thread closely as I might end up needing to follow in your footsteps.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186s deck repair

Absolutely beautiful boat!

 

[bkwarford]

Re: 1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186s deck repair

Cool boat. What lake do you hit?

Thanks Frisco. In the last week I have subscribed to your Youtube.com channel and started watching most of your videos. A big thank you for taking the time to document and share your experiences with the world.

I live on the east side of Plano so I can be on Lake Lavon in 25-30 minutes from my house. Back in the 90s I had a house in Garland and would take my previous boat to Lake Ray Hubbard many times or down to Lake Lewisville a few times over the years. On Ray Hubbard there is a small opening between Hwy 66 and Rowlett Road where the water was always calm no matter how windy the weather was in other parts. In the 90s my family was into tubing big time back then and this was a great spot. Once this repair is complete I want to visit other lakes.

Scipper77. I will take a post a few more pictures for you over this weekend.

Ezmobee. Thanks.

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186s deck repair

That is a beautiful boat, my dad had a 1983 Scorpion 186 when I was young. We absolutely loved that boat. He sold it when we moved from Fort Hood to Aberdeen Maryland. Only because it had the OMC outdrive and had a cracked lower unit. Dang I miss that boat.

 

[bkwarford]

Utoh... guess what I found tonight?

Utoh... guess what I found tonight?

I got sick over the weekend so tonight was my first night back at it.

I started applying my weight on the weak spots trying to determine exactly how bad off the deck floor is.... That led to grabbing a rubber hammer for a sound tapping test. To my surprise the area surrounding the seats sounded like a drum since the floor was so hollow. I got a razor blade, putty knife, and some pliers and went to work on the exposed fiberglass.

Does anyone need some mulch? (In this picture I first started working along the cracked seam between the plywood sections under the drivers seat mentioned and previously pictured above)

The plywood underneath the fiberglass had turned to dust... mulch... kindling... you name it.

I'm very surprised at how strong this single layer of fiberglass weaving was to support my family over the past few seasons after seeing this mess. The foam pieces that I could reach tonight all felt dry and solid. I will have to get a saw in there to square up the fiberglass edges to design a template to cut a new plywood deck. While looking at it right now I'm planning to start the new deck from the front step edge to run 5 or 6 feet back to where the fiberglass sounds solid by tapping. I will know more when I get a saw at it to clean up the edges.

The stringers all look and feel strong. I pulled a metal hammer at this point to tap test the rigidity and strength of the stringers in and around the ski locker area.

Oh... and all the while researching the process to repair this mess I may have found a new 'one' for most of you.

The plywood was held down to the ski locker stringers using a staple gun. I would puke if someone said that was done by the original manufacturer... It obviously looks like a previous owners poorly done deck job to me.

I took several more interior pictures so here is a link to my photobucket.com site...

http://s241.photobucket.com/albums/ff200/bkw12345/1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186/?start=all

 

[bkwarford]

New Questions....

New Questions....

I've read that a lot of people say to use a grinder or sand paper flap wheel to cut or smooth the surface of the old fiberglass areas during parts of this job. Does anyone have input about using a Variable speed oscillating tool to cut through the fiberglass? (I have seen diamond tipped blades for this thing)

Also for my Texan neighbors, where can I buy marine grade plywood? Lowes \ Home Depot \ others in Dallas, Texas?

regards, Brad

 

[scipper77]

Re: New Questions....

Re: New Questions....

I am very happy that you did not find wet foam and rot underneath. I am terrified to do what you just did.

The plywood over the gas tank is obviously not original. Does it look like that section was cut out and replaced with the ply wood (AKA originally glassed in)?

Are you going to replace the fuel lines under the deck while you are in there?

I can't wait to see how this turns out. The interior color scheme on our boats (mine is the same) is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I've looked a little into replacement seats and there is nothing available that I have found that would even remotely match the original interior.

Here is a photo off the web of a redone Scorpion 168 for inspiration.

 

[Flysfloatsor]

Re: New Questions....

Re: New Questions....

Looks like we've got the same exact ride! Check out the link on my profile to see what I did to the interior. 100% new. My floor was good though.

 

[Flysfloatsor]

Re: New Questions....

Re: New Questions....

The 383 is being set in as I type this. Cross your fingers.

I kept the interior very original with the exception of Charcoal gray carpet and switching the sun pad from 3 section to a 1 piece with gas shocks.

 

[wjorgensen]

Re: New Questions....

Re: New Questions....

I have the same boat, however the closed bow model. I live in South Louisiana, and my boat is in constant humidity. My seats, interior side panels, and engine cover are rotten to the core. Love the lines of my boat. They just dont make them like this anymore, which forces me to restore this one as opposed to buying a new one.
Flysfloatsor - I like what you have done with the sundeck. Was it originally two captains chairs? Mine began as two separate back seats as shown in the 168 photo above. Could you give me more information on what you have done to your interior?
Thank you for sharing!

This is my huckleberry in Lake Houston. Had a blast this past Sunday in Lake Ponchatrain.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New Questions....

Re: New Questions....

"The stringers all look and feel strong. I pulled a metal hammer at this point to tap test the rigidity and strength of the stringers in and around the ski locker area."

This is NOT a reliable test for the viability of your stringers. In order for you to be absolutely certain they are sound you should core sample them with a drill. If you get Tan colored dry shavings then Use some 3M 5200 sealant and seal the holes and count your self lucky. If you find Dark Brown Wet shavings... then You and friscoboater will become good friends. You should also core sample your foam to ensure it is not waterlogged. That deck has seen a LOT of water and some of it may have gotten below deck. If the stringers were not WELL encapsulated in resin and glass then they could have some water damage too. Better safe than sorry. That boat DESRVES to have GREAT care!!!

 

[bkwarford]

Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Well... I cut out more of the old floor tonight.

Over the weekend I had started to cut the old fiberglass deck with a pneumatic cut-off wheel. Within a 2-3 foot section I killed two new cut wheels so I stopped there for the day to think of alternatives. I had reservations over using a saws-all or hacksaw to cut the old fiberglass deck for concerns of cutting through the stringers or even the bottom of the boat along the side edges.

So on Monday I bought the oscillating variable speed blade tool and an extra saw tooth blade that I mentioned above from Northern Tools. In my opinion now that I've used the tool, this tool made the job much easier than I had previously thought it might be. With the blade clocked to the side it was just the right size for me to maneuver under the side panels and around the front edges. The blade is short and clockable to the left or right side so if I want to tilt the tool for a better grip.

I used two blades to complete the rough cuts you will see below in the pictures. I will need to go back over a few areas along the sides near the front to remove a fiberglass lip but I was really impressed.

I started on the Port side. From the transom moving forward I could see a seam where two boards butted up barely to the front edge of the motor. It took a few minutes to get used to the vibration of the oscillating tool but I used a straight edge and marks-alot to make a guide line. I made one pass to cut through the old fiberglass and then went back over the line to cut through any remaining wood board.

Then along the front I used the straight edge and marks-alot again to make a guide line. I made one pass to cut through the old fiberglass and then went back over the line to cut through any remaining wood board.

Then again along the starboard side I made one pass to cut through the old fiberglass and then went back over the line to cut through any remaining wood board.

Here are more pictures.
http://s241.photobucket.com/albums/ff200/bkw12345/1985 Chris Craft Scorpion 186/

Next I need to cut \ grind more of the old fiberglass mainly around the front at the sides. Then test the stringers and foam. And if time is right move on to making templates for the new plywood floor. I'm excited to keep moving even in the Texas heat. BTW, the Mavericks pulled it off tonight. haa

Woodonglass...
Thank you for the advice. Earlier I had done a few drill test spots on the stringers around the gas tank and inside ski locker but now with more area exposed I plan to check more thoroughly again. And will sample the foam before long in a few other areas.

Flysfloatsor \ wjorgensen...
My original interior was similar to the 168 pictures above with the motor cover and two seats on each side. But since seeing Flysfloatsor's pictures of his new interior I'm strongly favoring \ debating myself to build a similar sun deck and bench. I'm jealous... It looks great!

Flysfloatsor...
If you have a build post or any more details, plans, or even a hardware list (type of hinges, lifts, etc...) I would be greatful if you could share them. Either in this post for all to see or through a PM if you prefer.

till next time. Brad

 

[scipper77]

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Flysfloatsor \ wjorgensen...
My original interior was similar to the 168 pictures above with the motor cover and two seats on each side. But since seeing Flysfloatsor's pictures of his new interior I'm strongly favoring \ debating myself to build a similar sun deck and bench. I'm jealous... It looks great!



till next time. Brad

My humble suggestion would be to create new seat bases for the sides of the doghouse that can be mounted in 2 positions. at seat level like they are now or add teak shelves so the seats can be at the same level as the doghouse making a full sundeck. That way you can have your cake and eat it too. My doghouse has teak ledges up high as if it was designed that way but the seat bases don't fit properly.

If you do this however be aware that if they are in the up position and not secured there is a chance the wind will take the seats away while in motion.

 

[bgiese]

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

bkwarford

just started on a similar problem with my 1985 chris craft scrpion 186 sl, had a bad airborne experience last year and ended up with two broken bulkheads one in front of the gas tank and one behind,so as I'm removing the interior and pullng up the carpet and removing the gas tank cover I find that I have to remove the filler and the vent hoses to remove the tank, by the way I had to replace the original gas tank cover board last year as mine had rotted away. the filler hose has bonded it self to the inlet pipe and it looks like it will have to be replaced along with the vent hose, looking at your pictures it appears that the tube that these run thru is pvc but mine is a paper product,just curious as I havn't attemped to remove these hoses yet and was wondering if I would be able to just pull them out and shove in a new one, still have to replace the bulkheads but it appears that I can cut these out without removing any more of the deck boards. it would also appear that these gas tank covers were all put in later as every one that I have seen has been done a different way than the others. my boat has the captians buckets with the rear bench and sun deck, also running a 2001 310hp 5.7 4v indmar vs the 200hp 5.0 2v that was originally in the boat with the alpha one. good luck with your resto and if I can help with some info from my boat let me know
bgiese

 

[NorcalChrisCraft]

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Keep the pictures coming.

I am doing the same thing to my 186. Same interior configuration as yours, but the color of bgiese's. I need to replace the transom/floor/stringers and will be doing the bench/sun deck instead of the 2 seats next to the motor which is how mine is setup now.

 

[bgiese]

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

Re: Update - I cut out the deck floor area to be replaced

bkwarford

hate to be the bearer of bad news, but as I was removing the bulkheads I found that they had used staples to hold down the decks and to tie in the bulkheads. anyway just about have my bulkheads removed and starting to put together a plan on rebuilding it. just one question do you know how the tank was originaly supported, mine just had pieces of rub rail siliconed to the tank bottom and it shows were the tank had been rubbing on the hull of the boat.
thanks