deck soft spot

[lso254]

I have a 77 Chrysler Sport fury with a soft spot in the rear right where you board. What is the most ecenomical fix? Hate to tear up the carped and end up with stringers and more. Can I cover it with more plywood or formica. Expect to own for another 5 years. Help appreciated

 

[JB]

Re: deck soft spot

Howdy, BB. Welcome to the best boat board on the net.<br /><br />Rot is to a boat what cancer is to a man. If you get it all out soon enough it may survive. Neglect it and you will need a new boat much sooner than you would think.<br /><br />You need to dismantle the boat far enough to remove and replace all rotted wood and then to seal the new wood so that moisture cannot get it again. If you are smart you will trash all of that carpet and Rhino-Line your boat. Carpet is an invitation to rot. <br /><br />Others here, like 12Footer, can give you good advice on how to go about it. <br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[Hooty]

Re: deck soft spot

Hey Boat beginner,<br />The first thing you'll need is a chain saw but evin will explain all that to ya. Keep your post close to the top and he'll pounce on ya.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[lso254]

Re: deck soft spot

well that sounds bad, any one with anymore advice?

 

[singerjr]

Re: deck soft spot

You could always move your plans up 5 years and get that new boat now!<br /><br />Don't mean to make light of your problem, JB's correct, it's a constent topic here "Repairing Rotten Wood" You need to fix it now and if you need to go deep and most of the wood has some water damage to any degree you might as well replace all the wood.<br /><br />You will have a boat that will last more than 5 years and something that will sell when you're ready. With so many boats on the market if someone finds a soft spot or a poor repair they will just move on to the next used boat.<br /><br />Look at it as an investment in 5 more years of fun and some return on your money when your done with the boat.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[SeaRay245]

Re: deck soft spot

id have to say jb hit it right on the head its boat cancer just like a car when it rusts u have to cut away the affected area and stat new when it comes to stringers never never leave rotted stringers in you are asking for problems that could hurt u or your fellow boaters

 

[lso254]

Re: deck soft spot

OK, I'll give. Can you give me a crash course on replacing the floor? Do I need marine grade plywood and fiberglass, thompsons water seal or what?

 

[Parrott_head]

Re: deck soft spot

Welcome to the club,<br /><br />I replaced the deck in my old boat about 12 years ago. Go to the public library and see what they have. I took the seat out of mine and pealed off the carpet. Using a putty knife that I sharpend one long side of and tapping it on the other side with a hammer I was able to cut around the perimeter of the deck where it joined the inside of the hull.<br />I then use a circular saw set to cut 1/2 inch to rip down the middle. I then pried the two sections out. Removed all the old water logged floatation foam and replace with new.<br />Braced the two stringers that were glassed into the hull. I used exterior grade plywood soaked in water seal. I saved and cleaned several plastic quart oil cans. I would mix enough resen and hardener in each quart for about 15 minuets work. Screw the cap on, shake and pour. No cleanup, you just pitch the oil can. <br /><br />Good Luck.

 

[lso254]

Re: deck soft spot

anyone used the products from www.rotdoctor.com? they claim to have some materials for repair but they appear to be very pricey. Probably more than replacement of the deck.

 

[lso254]

Re: deck soft spot

can anyone give me detailed instructions or steer me in the direction to replace this soft spot in the deck?