Soft floor around engine area

[stebro13]

Hi all,
Just picked up a 2000 Bayliner Capri 1950. Boat seems to be in very good condition with the exception of a soft area infront of the engine. The floor moves about 1/4" max when you step on it and is only soft in about a 1 ft square area.
No other places on the floor are soft.
Now, how long can I go without this becoming a major problem?
What can be done now to stop this from going any further?
If I replace the soft area now, how far back should I be going?
I notice that the gas tank is directly below this area.
Outside of the obvious of not sawing throught the gas tank, is there something else that I should be looking out for before I do any extra damage?
Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[mixerjv]

Re: Soft floor around engine area

"Now, how long can I go without this becoming a major problem?"

No way to know for sure, but probably about 3 more seasons

"What can be done now to stop this from going any further?"

If you have a garage - store the boat in there when not in use so it dries out and stays dry. Also, you could epoxy over the area with 1708 biax cloth, which could buy you more time.

"If I replace the soft area now, how far back should I be going?"

Only replace the plywood what is required, but epoxy (or resin) most of the floor. On either side of the tank is the stringer. Ideally, you would cut out a square that straddles the stringer, leaving half the stringer to hold the floor staying, and half the new portion. Also, you can cut the plywood at a 45 degree angle so the new piece can't go through the old (hard to explain without visual aids)

"I notice that the gas tank is directly below this area."

Not a problem when cutting if you set the depth right with your circular saw.

John G. from ShipShape Tv has showcased this in the past, you can watch the how to video on Mas epoxies website.