whats under the floor

[the_anarchy16]

looking at a new boat 18' Sylvan Aluminum -1991- 90 HP Mercury $2750 Its a 1991 sylvan aluminum. would stringer rot be an issue? or would any soft spots in the floor be just the floor and no big deal?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: whats under the floor

Aluminum boats have aluminum substructures. Only wood will be the deck and the transom. Possibly some seat boxes and side panels as well.

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: whats under the floor

ok good. transom is solid on it and the floor doesn't concern me. I can patch/replace it easy enough. Just know older fiberglass boats lose integrity when the stringers rot

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: whats under the floor

There could be Foam under the floor and if it's waterlogged, it can add significant weight to the boat.

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: whats under the floor

good stuff. if its waterlogged can I just tear up the foam or is there more to it than that?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: whats under the floor

Yep, just rip it out and replace it. You can go back with the 2 part pour in or use the pink/blue Slab stuff from Lowes/HomeDepot. Lot's of discussion about it here on the Forum.

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: whats under the floor

cool thanks. just trying to make sure I understand whats in store before I dig into it. foam is just for added flotation or does it serve another purpose? I would think the slab stuff would get waterlogged again quickly

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: whats under the floor

Actually the slab stuff is totally impervious to water. Will never absorb it. The 2 part pour in stuff, over time, can and will. The 2 part stuff will expand and add some rigidity to the hull and to the deck. The slab stuff will add some but not as much. Both add significant flotation properties to the boat.