Soft Spot in Floor

[Miroash]

I have a 1988 Seaswirl, it has a softspot in the middle of the floor. It is around the area that has the round inspection cover. at first I thought it was soft because of wood rot, but it turns out the wood is in pretty decent shape. It appears that the wood is flexing under weight because there is no support for the floor/deck above the fuel tank. is there an easy solution to this without pulling up the floor/deck? Thanks

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: Soft Spot in Floor

Are you sure its not wood rot? I was in this same predicament with my transom, the good people of iboats walked me through it. Do some core samples and see if the wood is wet, if its dark and crumbly or wet your most likely in for a fun time.

 

[Miroash]

Re: Soft Spot in Floor

Are you sure its not wood rot? I was in this same predicament with my transom, the good people of iboats walked me through it. Do some core samples and see if the wood is wet, if its dark and crumbly or wet your most likely in for a fun time.

I have already confirmed the wood is in very good condition, it looks like the floors were recently replaced, and the transom is rock solid. It is lack of support over the fuel tank, that is the problem for me. I am hoping to correct the problem without having to pull up the deck.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Soft Spot in Floor

We need information or photos or both. I'm not sure what you expect for advice with the little information you have given.. "The deck is perfect. How do I fix the deck?"

How long have you owned the boat?
When did the soft spot becomes soft?
When 'confirming' the deck is in perfect health, did you take core samples?
Were the shavings of wood damp?
Is there room above the fuel tank for supports?
Is the deck glassed or just painted/carpeted?
Is the deck glassed underneath as well?
How thick is the deck?
What leads you to think the deck was replaced recently?

 

[Miroash]

Re: Soft Spot in Floor

How long have you owned the boat? I just purchased it 2 weeks ago

When did the soft spot becomes soft? They were soft when I purchased the boat, I was expecting to have to replace the floors, but it doesnt appear to need it.

When 'confirming' the deck is in perfect health, did you take core samples? Yes, in several places including the transom

Were the shavings of wood damp? No

Is there room above the fuel tank for supports? It looks like there may be, but I was afraid of damaging the tank, which is why I figured I would post the question here first.

Is the deck glassed or just painted/carpeted? Glassed with carpet on top

Is the deck glassed underneath as well? Yes

How thick is the deck? It looks to be 1/2" Plywood (glassed)

What leads you to think the deck was replaced recently? The Plywood looks clean, solid and dry everywhere I took a sample.


I will post pictures asap. I am a work right now.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Soft Spot in Floor

Okay, now we're getting somewhere!

You mentioned it is weak around the inspection hole so, without removing the deck, you may be able to slip some bracing in there then screw it to the deck. It won't be easy (maybe impossible depending on the size of the inspection hole) and may not stiffen it up completely, but for a cheap fix that may work nicely. The bracing should be glassed heavily to take the extra weight. I'd recommend using a dowel and wrap it in glass. That will prevent flex the best. The down side of using a dowel is guessing where to put the screw when screwing into the deck.. not much surface area to hit.

A more permanent approach would be to cut out that section of deck, glass a new (replacement) section, and make the new section a (much) larger inspection port.

Hopefully others will chime in soon with their ideas, as there are plenty of ways to go about a weak spot.

 

[78ImperialT]

Re: Soft Spot in Floor

A more permanent approach would be to cut out that section of deck, glass a new (replacement) section, and make the new section a (much) larger inspection port.

Hopefully others will chime in soon with their ideas, as there are plenty of ways to go about a weak spot.

this is a great idea. you will be glad you did it later as well.

 

[Miroash]

Re: Soft Spot in Floor

A more permanent approach would be to cut out that section of deck, glass a new (replacement) section, and make the new section a (much) larger inspection port.

Thank for the input, I decided to do basically what you described. I puchased a complete deck hatch assembly (similar to the one in the photo). and I am going to cut out the area in question, and install the hatch. This will correct my problem and give me full access to the tank should I ever need it. any reason this will not work?