Replacing decking

[ml8163]

Well, I've had the new boat home for almost a week now and today was a good day for addressing a known soft spot in the floor. After tearing out the section that I knew was bad, I found a lot more wet plywood and have decided to go ahead and replace about 3/4 of the decking. I also went ahead and took all of the old carpet out. I think it was trapping moisture within the decking.

One of the stringers has a some rot in an isolated 6 inch area where the decking meets the stringer. Since the rot is isolated, it seems too much to tear out the entire decking and replace the stringer. Thoughts? Also, I noticed that there was a moist petroleum/greasey like gel residue on the bottom side of the decking. Is this an issue?

 

[Robj]

Re: Replacing decking

Ultimately I would replace the stringer. You may be able to cut out the affected area and splice in a new stringer section with a scarf joint. This would only work if the rest of the stringer is dry with no signs of rott. The rott was confined to only a small section. My guess is that the whole stringer is saturated and rotten and requires replacement. Unfortunately this is a very common problem with older boats. But with a little work, you could make it like new again.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[salty87]

Re: Replacing decking

your plan might work but don't be too surprised if you find that stringer soaked like robj said. wood absorbs water so the water would have made it further than you think. wet stringers might not be rotten but they won't let you stick new glass to them either. why leave any water behind anyway?

do you have pics of the gel? i'm thinking slimey mildew/mold, its nasty down there once moisture sets in.

 

[ml8163]

Re: Replacing decking

I was afraid you guys would say that... I'll try and post some pics this evening. I made good progress this past weekend and got all of the rotten decking out. The boat is stored in the garage and I have a fan blowing on the stringers to help dry them out.

Also, I went to West Marine this past weekend and bought the West System epoxy repair kit. Within the West System's literature, they state that you can drill 3/16 holes into the rotten core about 1 inch apart and inject expoxy resin. They also state that this isn't the best route and replacing the stringers is the optimal route as you suggested. I'll keep you posted on the progress and decision making...

Thanks for the help.

 

[Ride The Lightning]

Re: Replacing decking

I was afraid you guys would say that... I'll try and post some pics this evening. I made good progress this past weekend and got all of the rotten decking out. The boat is stored in the garage and I have a fan blowing on the stringers to help dry them out.

Hi!

How long do you want to wait while you try to dry them out? I am sure that it is not possible drying the stringers completely out. Get all of the wet wood out there and replace it. Otherwise you have the same problems again in two years. Do not underestimate the structural damage by rotten wood.

I had to do the same last year. Unfortunately there is no other way than replacing all of the wet wood.

Regards from Hamburg
Lars

 

[ml8163]

Re: Replacing decking

Okay, here are some pics of the stringers. I'm leaning towards replacing them upto where the decking I left was good (see pic below)

Question on pic below... How close to the wall do I have to take out for the flooring?

 

[stardog]

Re: Replacing decking

I started the exact same project with my 16' Thundercraft today. Your pictures look much better than the condition of my boat. Are you going to glass the new plywood? I have not decided witth mine. Please post progress photos...it will be a huge help!

Thanks,
John L
Bethlehem, GA

 

[salty87]

Re: Replacing decking

how close to the wall to take out the old deck?...in hindsight, i wish i had left some of my old deck/wall joint behind. i ground it down pretty early and by the time i got around to bedding stringers, the old joint wasn't as obvious as i thought it would have been.

so, i did have some left on the transom and bow area so i ran some lines to recreate the old deck height to check my stringer heights.

your first few runs with the grinder probably won't be your last. glassing takes practice. the stringer i glassed first i get to grind down and try again now that i've had some practice. you could easily knock the last of the old deck/floor joint out at this time and keep a more obvious reference.

your new plywood won't run all the way to the side of the hull. you'll fill that gap in with thickened poly or epoxy, whichever one you go with. cover it with glass.

 

[ml8163]

Re: Replacing decking

Hey Stardog,

Welcome to the iboats!! Let the fun begin... If your talking about fiber glassing the new decking, I will use fiberlgass to tie it into the sides and will resin coat each side and each end. If I have to cut any holes or use any stainless steall screws to secure to the stringers, I will pre-drill the holes, inject epoxy and they put the screws in.

I'll be sure to post pics of my progress.

Good luck!

 

[oops!]

Re: Replacing decking

stardog...welcome aboard...

and you have to glass the floor unless you want to do this again in 2 years...

ditto to salty again...good advice.....

i took my deck out right to the hull... take lots of notes and mesurements

and take lots of picks for your own reference.


ml8....yee haaa have fun.....and dont use your own washing machine to do your restoration clothes..

were here for ya

cheeers
oops

 

[oops!]

Re: Replacing decking

btw...nice toes.....

erik used rubber boots on his proj...good idea....

i used running shoes....there toast now....

 

[ml8163]

Re: Replacing decking

Thanks for the advice guys... My wife will especially appreciate the washing machine advice!

Questions:

1 - Where is a good place to get a good quality epoxy resin/hardner and fiberglass mat for not too much $$$?

2 - How much do I need for a 16ft boat? I will need enough to replace the stringers and resin coat the new decking, etc.

Thanks!

ml8163