how to check for rot?

[mercrude]

1959 glasspar 16' old boat looks and feels solid <br />how do I check for rot under fiberglass as far as <br />floor,stringers, transem ect.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: how to check for rot?

The best way is to take a knife and probe by sticking the wood in areas that you may feel may be decayed. If it's not your boat you best ask permission. Some people use a screw driver. Good luck

 

[brent suzkui wyble j16]

Re: how to check for rot?

ice pick.

 

[40 foot Owens]

Re: how to check for rot?

I have replaced fiberglass floors on small fishing boats that have been rotted out.. The floor was soft if I was to jump up and down on the floor. I have taken a drill and drilled into suspect areas. The drill holes will help lay out a pattern if you need to remove the fiberglass and replace the wood. An ice pick or screw driver will do but a drill is clean and a drill hole is easy to cover over or repair. It is difficult to find rot under fiberglass. If it is wood, and ice pick or screwdriver is the best way to find rot.

 

[magster65]

Re: how to check for rot?

If you get a composite hammer (or a ball peen with tape on it) and gently tap around you'll find that any hidden rot will have a very distinct flat sound to it.

 

[magster65]

Re: how to check for rot?

Shouldn't have said that, I tapped the back of my dinghy last night and found some rot on the edge of the transom... the power of suggestion strikes again!

 

[BillP]

Re: how to check for rot?

Try what magster65 says. Tap with a hard mallet (not a rubber one) and listen for a dull response for soft wood. You can easily tell the difference between good and bad. Delaminations will sound same as soft wood so beware. Drill your holes where it is dull for visual refs.