Drying wood.

[nitsuj]

I used a hole saw and took 2 round plugs out of my stringers to look at the wood below. The wood is wet, but solid and not rotten. I hate to replace all the wood just because it's wet. But I also want to prevent it from rotting. Is there a good way to get the wood dry without replacing it? The stringers are dry every where else I've checked. But in the bilge, under the motor, there is moisture. Any ideas?

 

[mattpyle]

Re: Drying wood.

If you really plan to dry them, it would take a LONG time. Like, not even worth it long

 

[MountaineerMiner]

Re: Drying wood.

I would bet you have some rot in there that you will start to find if/when you tear into it. When cutting out my stringers the outer ones appeared bone dry by the "core sample method" but the bottom 1/4-1/2 inch was rotted out completely.

You can section out the rear portion that has the water in it, there are several resto threads on here that you can read about doing this. Rot spreads and easliy visible or not if the wood is wet I bet it is there.

Mike

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Drying wood.

Crap. I was afraid you guys were going to say that. I don't feel like replacing the wood. But I guess I may as well do it while the engine is out. Thanks guys.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Drying wood.

I know how you feel. The news is never easy to take.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Drying wood.

Crap. I was afraid you guys were going to say that. I don't feel like replacing the wood. But I guess I may as well do it while the engine is out. Thanks guys.

Having the engine in the hull is the only reason you wouldn't want to get into it. If its already out the job is a whole lot easier by leagues.