Soft floor spot

J

Jayb123

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
410
Got another question....surprised huh (im full of questions and no answers)

I looked at a boat with what seemed a decent floor with a soft spot about a square foot in size nearer the stern. My question can you patch a floor for a fix? I always see floor resto threads. I dont however see many threads about floor patching. Before you yell at me.... i know its not the proper way to fix a floor... can it be done and would it last a few years?

thanks again
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Soft floor spot:

Re: Soft floor spot:

The problem is that once you start digging, you usually find a ton more damage. A lot of the time boats rot from the bottom up. Meaning by the time you've got a soft spot in the deck, the stringers underneath are shot. This is a great thread showing a properly done partial deck replacement/repair http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=372220
 
produceguy

produceguy

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 30, 2010
Messages
1,243
Re: Soft floor spot

Yes, You can patch it.

You cut the the spot out at a 45 degree around the egdes and make a templet with the piece you cut out.
Cut the new piece at a 45. Lay the new piece in and glass it.

Almost forgot to tell you to cover the new piece of wood with glass and cover the bare spot at the 45 in the deck with resin.

That's how I would do it.
 
T

Tolyn

Seaman
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
57
Re: Soft floor spot

Greetings!

I agree whole-heartedly with ezmobee. While the floor could be patched, I would be much more concerned with what lays beneath. My floor (deck) seemed decent as well when I purchased our boat (link to my project below if you want to see pics).

In short, yes you could patch your deck like the guy before me did so it lasts another season or two and just close your eyes to what may or may not be happening below deck. Considering what is potentially at risk (you, your family) is it really worth it?

Respectfully,
-T

ps - post some pics of the boat in question. Folks here like that sort of thing and may see something else related (or not) that would indicate it to be a good or bad purchase. You are on a good path asking questions here.
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Soft floor spot

Visible signs of rot are like visible signs of icebergs. . .you only see about 10%. The sole (not floor, sole) of that boat is probably badly rotted and any wooden stringers under it too.

ezmobee is exactly correct. If you buy that boat, plan on replacing the sole and probably a bunch of stringers as well.
 
metriccrescentwrench

metriccrescentwrench

Commander
Joined
Oct 22, 2007
Messages
2,598
Re: Soft floor spot

If you're not up for a major project walk away from that boat and don't think twice. I've been there and done that two times, and on both occasions it turned out to be far more than just a "soft spot" in the deck (at least my second time around I was actually looking for a project boat).
 
J

Jayb123

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
410
Re: Soft floor spot

metriccrescentwrench said:
If you're not up for a major project walk away from that boat and don't think twice. I've been there and done that two times, and on both occasions it turned out to be far more than just a "soft spot" in the deck (at least my second time around I was actually looking for a project boat).
Click to expand...

Ya I decided to walk.... figure I would update anyway :)
 
25thmustang

25thmustang

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 20, 2008
Messages
1,849
Re: Soft floor spot

Add me to the list of soft spot on the floor, ended up with trashed stringer and most likely transom.
 
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