Exposed deck holes/foam in the rain

[RoboHandJobO]

I am restoring a 16 foot, fiberglass, foam filled fishing boat. After removing the center console, I took a trip to West Marine to get some more materials. While away, it started raining. Twelve screw holes in the floor of the deck were exposed to the rain for less than an hour. There was no sitting water above the holes, but surely some bit of moisture got into the foam filled compartment. Am I being anal about this? Any recommendations on drying the moisture, prior to sealing the holes and painting the deck? The only thing I can think of is to let the hull sit in the Florida sun for a few days.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Exposed deck holes/foam in the rain

Assuming they're fairly small holes and not 1/2" lag bolts or something, I wouldn't worry about it. Most screw holes are raised somewhat around the edge of the hole, so unless it was completely submerged, about the only water that could get in is what little would fall directly into the hole. Even if there was a cup full (which I doubt), that's not enough water to rot anything to any extent.
Let it dry in the sun a while for good measure and carry on....would be my suggestion.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Exposed deck holes/foam in the rain

Some time in the sun out in the open won't hurt it, but like is stated above, its probably not enough to worry about. If you think you really got some water down there, try a shop vac over each hole for while and maybe a drop or two of chlorine bleach down each hole, that will kill any mold or growth. Let it dry, seal it up.