Seat base/deck repair question ....

[Theoutdoorsman]

I recently purchased an 18' bass boat who's seat base on the front casting deck was damaged. What happened was that a BIG guy "flopped" down in the seat, and drove the seat base through deck into the cooler underneath! What remains is a square hole in the deck. I'm going to need to repair it, obviously. Any thoughts as to repairing the damage. My safety is of the utmost concern on the water! I'd hate to have it break again on me, and send me overboard into 45-50 degree water. Just trying to get some ideas. I'll post a couple pictures of the damage soon ....

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

The piece of wood you see the seat base bolted to, is the ONLY wood in the deck. Curious how others would choose to repair. Thanks in advance.

 

[Silvertip]

That was a design flaw and the failure was bound to happen. That gap needs to be bridged fore & aft of the hole with wood or an aluminum channel and through bolted to the existing deck. The wood panel can then be replaced and glassed. I would use new marine plywood as the current panel looks to be rather dry rotted thus limiting the grip of the seat pedestal screws.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

That was a design flaw and the failure was bound to happen. That gap needs to be bridged fore & aft of the hole with wood or an aluminum channel and through bolted to the existing deck. The wood panel can then be replaced and glassed. I would use new marine plywood as the current panel looks to be rather dry rotted thus limiting the grip of the seat pedestal screws.

Very few people are fortunate enough to be able to have a one-on-on conversation with the man who actually designed, and built, his boat. I am happy to say that I am one of them. He offered a suggestion on repairing the damage, exactly as you've described here. The coolers lip, underneath the deck, is actually a main support that is centrally located to maximize strength. How someone broke through this thing is still a mystery, as the material is quite thick! ... LOL ... The repair should be easy enough, and will likely outlast me! Thanks for the suggestion. You were spot on! Apparently that piece of wood you see is the failed result of the previous owners attempt to repair the damage, as there isn't one piece of wood in this boat. It was built entirely of glass, stringers and all. It's going to disappear now! Thanks again!

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Just wanted to update ya on my progress. I didn't get any pictures of the inside of the cooler where I cut a "Slot" in it, and installed 3/4" plywood flush with the bottom of the decking. Sorry about that. Anyway, the seat base replacement plywood was then place atop that one, and glassed in. I routed the wood so that the seat base seated flush with the deck, and reinstalled the cartpet. I coated all the wood with resin to seal the wood and help thwart future rot. Here's the project as it unfolded:

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

It turned out as well as I'd expected, and as strong as the original decking currently in place! ... :joyous:

 

[jbcurt00]

What resin did you use to seal the repair? Epoxy or Polyester resin?

Looks like there might be a layer or 2 of glass over the repair as well?