Rotted floors from swimmers?

[Irv964]

Just curious how many people have replaced their floors due to rotting from swimmers getting in the boat?
I purchased a Lowe fish and ski 3 yrs ago which came with a swim ladder/platform which is what we wanted because climbing on the lower unit and scrapping our shins on the transom of our old boat wasn't something we wanted to continue, especially with a 4 year old boy!
I read in another post that someone was making their swimmers dry off before re-entering their boat as he had already replaced the floors once and didn't want to repeat it? Myself being a relative newbie to boating, tubing and skiing didn't think it was an issue getting the floors wet occassionally especially on a fish and ski boat but now I am not so sure?
I read the Lowe site and it states a limited life time warranty on all floors and structures so does that mean I shouldn't have to worry about getting the floors wet occassionally? The boat is covered everynight and is usually allowed to dry completely or almost completely before doing so.
I am really not looking forward to telling my young lad he has to dry off every time before he jumps right back in the water from our boat. ........Irv964

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

Maybe someone with more longevity in boating will give different advice but it makes no sense to me. As long as things are allowed to dry regulary I cant see how you would lose a floor because of swimmers

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

having an automatic bilge pump is a great help in this situation. allowing the boat to drain, storing with bow up, and covered, is a must for any boat you care about. i have never replaced a deck in a boat i owned. i have replace many i have bought, used. it is common sense.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

I really wouldn't worry it that much. Not like you're running a garden hose in there. Just steer on the prudent side and let everything dry out before you put it to bed at night.
You didn't mention if it was carpet over glass or all glass. If you have the ability to remove the carpet ( if they are snapped down ) then I would definately try to remove them if not possible to completely dry before days end.

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

good call GC. what type of floor? fiberglass? wood? fiberglass with carpet? etc.

 

[JB]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

No properly built boat is going to rot from getting wet. They rot from neglect and poor construction.

The big problem here is people keep getting boats with carpeted floors instead of proper, water shedding decks and soles.

 

[Irv964]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

I really wouldn't worry it that much. Not like you're running a garden hose in there. Just steer on the prudent side and let everything dry out before you put it to bed at night.
You didn't mention if it was carpet over glass or all glass. If you have the ability to remove the carpet ( if they are snapped down ) then I would definately try to remove them if not possible to completely dry before days end.

It is carpet over marine grade plywood and no the carpeting can't be removed. This link is the best I could find, scroll down to "Iron Clad" flooring, it sounds like I have nothing to worry about?
I also store my boat on a lift which raises the bow up in the air allowing all water to run to the back. I also remove my drain plug when are not on vacation. Thanks for the replies, I feel better about my concern already........Irv964
http://www.loweboats.com/Page.aspx/pageId/972/Deep-V-Construction.aspx

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

We have a new Lund 1750 Fisherman with what sounds like the same kind of setup (carpet over wood). The carpet is touted as high quality outdoor stuff and the wood is high grade marine plywood which comes with a transferable lifetime warranty (lifetime to the original owner, then a declining scale over 10 more years to the subsequent owner).

I did a ton of research before buying this boat, and along the way developed an appreciation that the boating industry has come a long way in the last decade or so in developing new water resistant adhesives used in making marine plywood decking, and in the carpet that is put over it.

 

[Irv964]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

We have a new Lund 1750 Fisherman with what sounds like the same kind of setup (carpet over wood). The carpet is touted as high quality outdoor stuff and the wood is high grade marine plywood which comes with a transferable lifetime warranty (lifetime to the original owner, then a declining scale over 10 more years to the subsequent owner).

I did a ton of research before buying this boat, and along the way developed an appreciation that the boating industry has come a long way in the last decade or so in developing new water resistant adhesives used in making marine plywood decking, and in the carpet that is put over it.

I agree, things have come a long ways over the years. I never gave the rotting floors a second thought until I seen another post about it and it got me thinking. Reading the warranty and the link showing how the floors are made, I don't think I have anything to worry about. I know Lund, Crestliner and Lowe boats are all owned by the Brunswick group so I assume there materials/construction would be very similar?............Irv964

 

[mthieme]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

My boat is 40 years old with the original solid floor.
Yes, we swim, tube, crab, ski, fish, etc.

 

[Backyardhockey]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

My boat is 40 years old with the original solid floor.
Yes, we swim, tube, crab, ski, fish, etc.

What kind of boat? I just redid a floor and it's a pain. Transom on an I/o means pull the engine. $$$

 

[mthieme]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

'69 Searay SRV190 - pictured

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

No properly built boat is going to rot from getting wet. They rot from neglect and poor construction.

The big problem here is people keep getting boats with carpeted floors instead of proper, water shedding decks and soles.

JB's all over this one. I would add I'd have your current boat surveyed (if your not comfortable doing it yourself) make any needed repairs, (if any) then just make sure and care for the boat correctly.......................enjoy and have fun.

 

[Irv964]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

JB's all over this one. I would add I'd have your current boat surveyed (if your not comfortable doing it yourself) make any needed repairs, (if any) then just make sure and care for the boat correctly.......................enjoy and have fun.

Sorry for my ignorance but what exactly do you mean by having my boat surveyed? Comfortable doing it myself? What is all involved?
From what I stated above, is that proper care or should I be doing some other things as well? Thanks...........Irv964

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Rotted floors from swimmers?

A marine surveyor is a professional boat "inspector" for lack of a better term. They inspect and evaluate the current condition of the craft in question, for wear and tear and overall condition................even issues that are not apparent to the untrained eye. A rotting floor for instance. If you are comfortable with your ability to evaluate you boats unseen areas a surveyor may not be necessary. As for proper care................the correct and complete drying out of a wet floor prior to storage is critical to keeping the flooring rot free.