cracks in deck

[pistolmiller]

I am wanting to buy a Tahoe deck boat. I noticed today that the floor was cracked around the rear post holder for the table and that the floor was "bouncy". Is this a big deal? It is an older boat, 2002, and I can deal with it as long as I will not fall through the floor at some point. I am looking for any guidance....

Thanks in advance.....

 

[capt sam]

Re: cracks in deck

soft floor=bad wood decking. Either bargain the boat way down and repair yourself or walk away.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: cracks in deck

sound like it is near a deck and stringer job. check out the restoration forum.

 

[pistolmiller]

Re: cracks in deck

How do I know if it is a stringer problem? I cannot tear up the floor....

I take it that water was probably leaking through the cracks and that is why it is possible rotting???

Am I looking at real problems down the line or just a springy floor????

 

[ondarvr]

Re: cracks in deck

Without a great deal of inspecting its hard to say if its a big problem, or a really big problem. Not worth the risk unless you can it get very cheap.

 

[pistolmiller]

Re: cracks in deck

It is a pretty good deal to begin with....I guess there is no hope in this one? Any at all....?

 

[capt sam]

Re: cracks in deck

I've replaced alot of decks and stringers, you never know till you open it up. If you don't or can't do the work or pay someone to do it then walk away.

 

[pistolmiller]

Re: cracks in deck

...ok...so I asked the dealer to take a look at it and let me know if it is a "structural problem". What are they going to tell me later this week when they get back to me?

Is it possible to take the pedistal floor mount out and look at the underside of the floor and stringers?

 

[grego]

Re: cracks in deck

Better get it for CHEAP!! If you are looking for project get it! If you want to use right away,you may fall through decking. Most decking is screwdown and you can use as pattern to replace. The boat is pretty "young" to have a spongy floor,"meaning" it was NOT! covered and left outside. Unless you just need something to do or have a lot of extra time,I would pass on boat! If you get it? use marine plywood and go to auto parts store and buy "bondo" fiberglass resin and coat new decking with three coats ,before putting new decking in.

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: cracks in deck

Tahoes do not have any wood in their construction. No worries about rotting wood. Everything is made of fiberglass. I've read about the earlier deck boats having cracks in the flooring. Mainly where the gunnel meets the floor. Tracker fix under warranty.

Walk away if you want, but I don't think it's as bad as others have made it out to be. Give your dealer a chance to check it out and listen to what he has to say. See if he'll fix it for you. It's a buyers market and I'm sure he wants to get it off his lot.... Let us know what he says and what you decide.

P.S
We love our Tahoe!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: cracks in deck

Wood or no wood makes little difference in the actual problem and the hassle of repair.

I haven't looked at a Tahoe , but I am assuming it will be like most current designs and it has a liner, not a plywood (or non plywood product) floor with glass over it. The problem with soft spots and cracks is that the liner should be removed so the bottom of the liner can be reinforced and/or fixed. Most liners have some type of core in key areas to stiffen or add strength, if the core comes loose, isn't positioned correctly, or the glass is too thin, then it needs to be removed so the repair can be done.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: cracks in deck

I would run like a bandit away from this boat. There is a thread here that reflects what kind of warranty work that reflects how the manufacturer usually works on some warrenty cases. Unless they give it to you, i would run, even if they fix it, I am sure (based on past post) that it will be a temporary or cheap repair to get it off the lot. Buyer beware, its a buyers market, you can find a better boat out their in better condition. good luck

 

[pistolmiller]

Re: cracks in deck

WOW!!! We are all over the place in this thread! Some run fast, some just run....just kidding, I appreciate the help. I am having a hard time deciding if the problem IS actually that bad. What are the criteria? One man's squishy is another mans flexable....

What are the chances this is still under warranty? Anyway, I will let you know what happens.....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: cracks in deck

What does he want for the boat??

 

[pistolmiller]

Re: cracks in deck

$8900 That is just below the NADA high retail price

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: cracks in deck

Ok, $8,900. Run. No baoat with a failing deck is worth that much.

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: cracks in deck

You need to get him well below that in my opinion....

Look around for other boats in your price range. You should be able to do much better than that.

 

[pistolmiller]

Re: cracks in deck

I pulled this from a review talking about this boats hull construction...

"The 215's hull is solid because it's made entirely of fiberglass with a rot-proof transom and a foam-filled stringer system that strengthens the boat."

Can someone explain this to me. If it is not wood rotting under the deck, what is making the floor soft?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: cracks in deck

Having no wood is good, it means you don't need to worry about it rotting, the bad part is the structure can still fail.

It sounds like foam may have been used between the liner and hull, and the liner may have depended on the foam for support. When the foam ages the wear and tear from being walked on and pounding through waves breaks it down resulting in no support for the liner. With no support the liner starts to flex and crack, it may still hold up and never really fail, but will crack more over time. If no foam was used in the hull then it may have just been weak right from the start, and again may never fail, just crack.

 

[pistolmiller]

Re: cracks in deck

There has been some ice and snow here and the boat was uncovered. I assume that water got in through the seat areas.

If it is wet foam, will it dry out? Will it harden back up...somewhat?