Spongy Floor

[ali'i]

16 ft Double hull fiberglass runabout from mid 1980's, the outside hull seems solid, but when standing inside, the fiberglass floor seems spongy, is that normal? or could the fiberglass be breaking down or? I have only been in single hull fiberglass boats before, but the boats only $200, and am looking for a winter project, and have a 50 horse ready for spring, Thanks

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Spongy Floor

What 1980's boat?

Got a link to the ad you can post?

If spongy is an accurate description, no I don't think it'd be normal. There's a reason it's $200. Come w/ a trailer?

 

[ali'i]

Re: Spongy Floor

What 1980's boat?

Got a link to the ad you can post?

If spongy is an accurate description, no I don't think it'd be normal. There's a reason it's $200. Come w/ a trailer?

Boat is a K & C Thermoglass, No ad, its in someones yard, here is a pic of almost identical boat, although one I am talking about is just the boat, no trailer, motor, or canvas top, but does have all controls and 2 back-back vinyl covered seats in good shape. Someone has suggested the stringer(s) are rotten, which is a new concept to me, didn't know fiberglass boats had wood in between the hulls, how would they rot unless the hull had a crack and water got in/ or could it just be from age?
Makes me wonder how many boats with rotten stringers are out there, whats a drawback to rotten stringers? especially if the boat still floats.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Spongy Floor

Can't open attachments on my phone.

But unless its the exact same boat, a similar boat may be built in generally the same as the one you're considering, or beyond the basics (fiberglass,polyester resin & wood) built entirely different.

As you describe the boat, spongy deck, no motor, and no trailer, this would be what I want to be PAID to haul off, not pay them. Unless the everything about the boat is in perfect condition, doesn't sound like it. You LOVE IT & no other boat will suffice. Or you need parts & pieces off it to go on a project boat you already have.

Read thru some resto threads. Unfortunately, boats do have wood n

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Spongy Floor

Lots of wood in the majority of fiberglass boats. Transom, decking, and stringers are wood reinforcing for the fiberglass hull.

If the stringers are rotten, the transom has a good chance of being rotten too.

 

[bakerjw]

Re: Spongy Floor

how would they rot unless the hull had a crack and water got in/ or could it just be from age?

Most boats are made with polyester resin which gets brittle and develops micro cracks that allow water to penetrate the wood below. Once there is water in the wood and the resin, freezing will exacerbate the problem.

Anytime that you see a boat with faded gelcoat in someones yard with a for sale sign on it, you can almost 100% guarantee that there are water logged or rotted structural members, i.e. deck, stringers, bulkheads and transom. Look at FriscoBoaters restoration. That DeaRay of his looked perfect and he had one heck of a rot monster in it.

If the stringers are rotted, then the transom will likely need to be replaced as well. If you absolutely love the boat and have time and money to throw into it, then get it and build it the way that you want it built. That is, solid enough to last a lifetime. They usually don't come from the factory that way. If the gelcoat is in great shape, then it might be worth $200.00. If not, then it is probably destined for the scrap heap.