So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

[82renken]

I am new to boating and have a couple of questions about trying to get my recently acquired '82 Renken restored to its former "glory". The boat was stored outdoors uncovered for a few years and the finish on the boat is now dull. Is there any special techniques to restoring a shine to its hull? Can I just use an automotive rubbing compound and wax? Also, where the port side double seat was (the seats where ruined and have been removed from the boat) there is a soft spot on the deck. It's about 1' square in size. Do these resin injection type of deck repairs work and would this be an acceptable method of repair for this small of an area.


Above is my original post. I've read all of the related threads on getting the to hull shine again. Now I need to address to spongy deck. I've read everything from going at it with a chain saw to more mundane repairs. I can see the seams in the deck where the main deck is. The stringers appear to be good. Do I need to sawsaw the main deck out to inspect the stringers? Is this a job a boating neophyte can do? What's my next step to make this boat last another 5 years so that I can introduce my kids to the fun of flying around on a tube or learning how to water ski? The hull is sound and the transom is solid on this boat. Please no responses that say "You've got a lot of work to do, ha ha ha". I need direction on this project, please. Is injecting the deck with resin a viable option?

 

[1fishbone]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

Is his your only issue?
"port side double seat was (the seats where ruined and have been removed from the boat) there is a soft spot on the deck. It's about 1' square in size"

Is it under the seat? Area where the seat bolts to?
Right where you step?
Doesn't sound like a big issue...but more detail and pictures would help.

If you can get access try knocking on the stringers with your knuckles or small a hammer, don't smash/crack it just 'sound' it.
A dull 'soggy' sound tells all...wet/rotted.
A nice knocking wood sound, you're good to go!

 

[82renken]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

The soft spot is right in the area where the screws holding down the port side seats penetrated the deck. This is the only bad spot on the deck (about 1' square). The rest of the deck is solid. It sounds good while tapping on it. The soft spot is not in an area that is walked on but I don't have any way to attach my replacement seats due to the bad wood. I'm really trying to avoid ripping out the whole deck to repair this one area. I'll try to post some pics.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

Here's the deal with a boat that has been exposed to the elements. If water has made the deck soft then, more than likely the stringers AND the transom have some issues as well. The #1 concern you should have is... "Is the Boat safe to Operate?" Is the Transom strong enough to take the stress of the outboard? Is the Hull strong enough to take the stress of the Wakes and the hard turns etc...? The only way to KNOW is to do some exploratory testing. Tapping around with a hammer is NOT going to tell you that. You need to cut the deck open and drill the stingers and the transom to see if they are wet or dry. If wet they will need to be replaced. If dry then you can get by with replacing the deck. IMHO I think you will find that they will NOT me OK. If the boat has had significant exposure to the elements then a total rebuild will be necessary. Almost ALL of the people on iBoats with similar situations have found this to be true. Not trying to be a Nay Sayer just tryin to be honest and let you know what you are in for.

I'm just sayin...

 

[DanielR]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

Speaking from personal experience, I found soft spot in the deck where you fist step your foot on. Area was only 1'x1'. After cutting the deck out I found stringers, engine mounts and transom being wet.

It's like opening can of worms...

 

[82renken]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

You've convinced me. I need to cut the deck out of this boat to see what I've got as far as damage. This is my first boat that I got to be a father/son rebuild project so I guess that we will be spending lots of time in the barn working on it.

So how do I proceed with the deck removal? Do I cut along the obvious seam between the flat part of the deck and the hull? How do I make this cut (sawsaw, circular saw, chain saw)? Is there anywhere on Iboats that can walk me through this project with pictures?

As I said I am new to boating and truly appreciate any and all help. Thank you.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

You can learn a lot from this guy

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=355668

I'm just sayin...

 

[1fishbone]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

I would start where the damage is and work from there.

NO ONE can tell how bad it is over a the internet!!!
You have to open it up and go from there.

FYI, I have had boats with a rotted seat area...just the seat area.

On another boat, I also found it had a 'soft spot' and find 3 layers of plywood on the deck! The stringers were good and the transom was good!

Start where the damage is and go from there!

 

[82renken]

Re: So, how do I repair the deck in this boat?

Thank you everyone for the input. I think that I can move forward on this project and make this boat seaworthy once again.

BTW, mother nature took care of my soft spot today. It's 25 degrees out and my barn is unheated. The soft spot in the deck is frozen solid....