Wet 1988 tracker 1800FS

[j_martin]

When I was pulling out the batteries and gas tank to gain access to the transom, I found that the floor foam is wet also.

Where can I get a plan for this boat? I should check the stringers before I put any more effort into it. How is the hull compartmented, and are all the compartments full of foam?

I believe the rear ones were compromised by poor rigging techniques when the boat was new. They used bathtub caulk for sealer if anything, and pierced many holes into the foam. The layup seems to be a little stingy and porous, also.

Thanks
John

 

[j_martin]

Re: Wet 1988 tracker 1800FS

I cut out a couple of 2" samples of the floor last night. The foam isn't waterlogged, but the wood is dripping wet. It isn't delaminated.

Still wondering if anybody has tackled one of these Tracker fiberglass bass boats before.

John

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wet 1988 tracker 1800FS

it's time to do a deck replacement job, and possibly tramsom. pictures

 

[j_martin]

Re: Wet 1988 tracker 1800FS

The local boat repair shop (Georges in Bethel, MN) said they often section repair that deck because it gets too soft to hold the screws for battery hold downs and such.

I'm thinking of cutting out a pretty fair size chunk of it, reaching in and scraping out all the foam I can, drying it out good, sealing the wood that's left from the bottom with CEPS, or equivalent, and glassing in a new piece of wood on each side.

It appears to be 3 ply, 3/8 inch plain old plywood, but maybe brown treated.

Thanks for the help
John

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Wet 1988 tracker 1800FS

The only way the CPES will work is if the wood is completely dry and still intact.If it is rotting and falling apart the penetrating epoxy is a waste of time.I would cut the floor up until you get to solid floor and stringers.
Be sure to check the transom over good also..