1986 Ragin' Cajun Restoration

[Squibbly]

My first post. Just picked up a 1986 Ragin' Cajun for cheap. Pretty much expected the floors to be rotted out, given the boat was full of water, so I got it home and sure enough. Floor rot.

For now I'm going to go against the iboats grain, cut the parts of the rotton floor out I can get to short of splitting the boat for a proper repair, and drop some carpeted treated ply over the lip I leave around the edge. I won't be asking for advice on that. I already know better. I want to enjoy the boat for 2 months, before I tear into it.

I am going to post pictures of the temporary workaround, and then the restoration here as a diary. Maybe get some advice on the proper restoration when needed.

Anyways, heres some pics of the boat and rot, I'm apparently not authorized to add attachments yet.

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Thats foam in the rot hole, BTW. Not the stringers.

-Squib

 

[ondarvr]

There's no reason to remove any of the rotten flooring if you don't plan on digging in to make permanent repairs at this time, just leave it as is and drop in a section of new Plywood right on top of what's there.

​The transom does need to stay attached when you're on the water though, so check it thoroughly.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

What ondarvr said....^^^ if this is only a temporary repair throw some plywood on top of that nasty hole and go fishing.

 

[Teamster]

Yup, what they said,..

Throw down some plywood and go fishing, As long as the transom isn't gonna fall off,...

 

[kcassells]

Does anyone get the sarcasm here....fish till you sink.

 

[Squibbly]

Hey...thanks for the advice fellas. I think that's exactly what I'll do. I heard these Cajuns had a honeycomb transom. Is that right, or just certain years?

-squib

 

[ondarvr]

No idea.

 

[Squibbly]

I cut the floor today, and water sealed it. I'll let it dry a few days, then glue some el cheapo ($20.00) Lowes indoor/outdoor carpet over the top. Then a couple little gel-coat chips to take care of, and I should be on the water by next week.

Floor1
Floor2
Floor3

Total quick repair job, less than 75 bucks.

-squib

 

[Squibbly]

Floor is done.

Good enough for government work.

Boat11

Gotta take some CLR mildew spray, and a magic eraser to those seats, and get a windshield.

-squib