Water drainage from hull..help

[a2xprt]

I am new to message boards so please bare with me. I started to "gut" the inside of my new boat so that I can start from fresh. However, I found that when I raised the hull I noticed that water started to exit the holes from the seats that were installed. I think that when the seats were installed that possibly rain water was allowed to penetrate the inside of the hull due to the previous owner not sealing the holes properly. In addition, the hole that is in the hull directly across the hole that allows drainage to the ground was not draining at all. The only drainage I seen was that of the water seeping thru the holes of the recently removed seats. This in return would run to the drain hole. My question, is this; overtime, is it possible to have some of the foam enlarge big enough to block any drainage water? I was able to get a better drain effect by sticking a piece of wire through the two holes and forcing it in. I also saw some foam come out when the water started to drain at a more rapid pace. This tells me that I punctured thru the foam and by doing this allowed the water to drain properly. Any thoughts or insights of this is greatly appreciated. PS. This boat is 73' Bass Charger. I am sure I will post often since this is the first time ever owning a boat! Thanks again for all your help and expertise...<br /><br />Regards,<br />Joe<br />Tulsa,OK

 

[crab bait]

Re: Water drainage from hull..help

what do you mean by 'gut' the inside of boat..?? the floor ,,what..??

 

[a2xprt]

Re: Water drainage from hull..help

Maybe I shouldn't have used the word "gut". I removed the seats, trolling motor, fish finder, carpet, etc. Once I raised the hull to see if there was any water in it, thats when I noticed the water seeping through the holes of where the seats were once installed. I also found that the floor (fiberglass) appeared to be somewhat weak (some areas give more than others when you stand on it). Is it feasible to just lay some plywood down or am I going to need to repair the fiberglass as well. Any help would be appreciated on the flooring issue as well as the water drainage issue.<br /><br />Regards,<br />Joe

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Water drainage from hull..help

sounds like you are gonna have to remove the floor<br />and inspect below deck. guess you'll find soaked<br />floation foam at the least and rotted stringers<br />are worst case scenario. gotta be lots of water <br />for it to come out the seat holes <br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Water drainage from hull..help

Been there, STILL doing that!<br /><br />If you have water running out, don't second guess. You're going to have to tear the floor up.<br />It's not as hard as you think... Just messy. Wear appropriate protection gear.<br /><br />I used a 4" angle-grinder with a cut-off wheel. It rips right through the glass and wood.<br /><br />Pull out an engine mount bolt from the stringer. See if you can notice any rot there. I bet you do. How's the wood on the floor? Can you see any of it lifting up?<br />When I took mine out, the plywood underneath looked like leaves. It was just destroyed.<br />It looked just like the remains when you burn a piece of plywood... the flakes of wood... black and charred. I swear someone set a fire in the boat, but it was just water damage.<br /><br />If the boat is worth it, and you don't mind the work, don't 'half-azz' the job. Do it right and tear it down to bare hull if you see any water damage.<br /><br />Mellow is right. The foam is probably water-logged too. That's another project in itself from what I hear. (My project doesn't have foam)<br /><br />H.

 

[salty87]

Re: Water drainage from hull..help

try to stay focused on the bright side....you'll soon know every intricate detail of your boat. and, when you're done, it should be the sturdiest '73 Bass Charger on the lake!!<br /><br />i've been reading up, my floors have been getting softer and softer. it's only a matter of time for my boat.

 

[a2xprt]

Re: Water drainage from hull..help

I just want to thank everyone who has made a suggestion, given advice. I do appreciate it. I did buy this boat so that I can have fun restoring it; I do plan on doing it right. As for now, I am going to tackle the trailer first and then hit the hull. I am sure, as I progress through these adventures I will ask many more questions. Until then, thanks again and keep on giving great advice and insight.<br /><br />Regards,<br />Joe<br />Tulsa, OK