When to check for rot?

[seedlings]

These iboats forums have a wealth of information! I'm hoping too much information. So I read these restoration threads and now worry my boat has waterlogged foam and a rotten transom. This boat is a 1979, and it was sparsely used (once or twice a year, covered in a barn when not in use) for about 10 years, then put in covered storage until 3 years ago. No soft spots in the floor, and I've tapped a mallet around the transom to hear a consistent sounding thump.

Is it time to check for rot? Where's the best place to look? Drill a hole in the transom by the drain?

Or am I just infected with iboats restorations and repairs?

Thanks,
CHAD

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: When to check for rot?

Two things you might want to consider before drilling holes in the transom are 1) Jiggle the outboard and see if you hear anything like cracks or if it feels like it is giving way a little 2) Also take out one of the bolts that attaches your outboard to the boat and then run a screwdriver in the hole and see if there is rot inside the hole by pressing down. I will admit a 1979 is reaching the 30-40 year stage were she might need a rebuild, but if she was kept covered and trailered you should be fine.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: When to check for rot?

My boat is 50 years old. It was kept in a Barn and used sparsely and when I got it 2 years ago it had NO ROT. Transom and Deck Were as solid as the day it was sold. Hull was scarred, Gelcoat faded, so I am Brightening her up and the Motor needed going thru but I'm sure not worrying about ROT and neither should you. If the mechanicals and cosmetics are satisfactory for you then....


Go Enjoy your Boat!!!!

 

[seedlings]

Re: When to check for rot?

I re-sealed the transom motor bolts just the other day and the wood seemed very solid around the bolts. I know this because it was hard to scrape out the silicone I put in last year. I used a drill bit by hand to get back down to wood before sealing the holes with 5200 and re-bolting.

CHAD

 

[produceguy]

Re: When to check for rot?

You are going to need to tear that boat apart and do a full restoration and post lots of pics and a step by step process of the entire project.

If theirs no signs of rot, I think your ok.

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: When to check for rot?

If you checked the bolt holes, they are usually the ones most susceptible to rot, and they looked good, go ahead and enjoy your boat. If you want to do a restore find a cheap boat on craigslist.

 

[seedlings]

Re: When to check for rot?

If you checked the bolt holes, they are usually the ones most susceptible to rot, and they looked good, go ahead and enjoy your boat. If you want to do a restore find a cheap boat on craigslist.

With all respect to you fantastic boat restorers out there, I do NOT want to restore! I wan't to enjoy! The day may come, just glad it's not now.

Thanks for your helpful comments,
CHAD

 

[KnightWolf]

Re: When to check for rot?

Its time to check for rot when you have a few grand laying around and nothing to do for the summer!:facepalm:

 

[oops!]

Re: When to check for rot?

one of the easiest ways to find if a boat is waterlogged, rotten, ect.....is to weigh the boat against the manufacturers specs.
water is heavy....so if the boat is full of water, it will show up on the scales.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: When to check for rot?

5200 Is supposed to be "permanent" but take 7 days for full cure.

 

[seedlings]

Re: When to check for rot?

5200 Is supposed to be "permanent" but take 7 days for full cure.

Funny you say that... I used 5200 on the bolt holes about a week ago. I can scratch excess off of the bolt with my fingernail. I'm glad the water doesn't have fingernails.

CHAD

 

[MichaelP]

Re: When to check for rot?

I've yet to use the stuff myself. I just hope you can get the bolts out one day.
Looks like you got your question answered - Good luck!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: When to check for rot?

Thats why they make "fast cure 5200" .. Basically unless your putting a through hull in underwater while its in the water .. then Dont use this. Use the fast cure.

The Best advice I can give you or anyone is check All screw/bolt hole fittings ( your bow rail bases loose ? your cleats loose ? etc ) .

EVERY Year Re-bed your Screw snaps for your cover or awning !

Basically if you have a screw/bolt going through wood or core you should check it 3x a season ( one at haul out .. one after launch..and one in mid season ).

When you have your boat deck buffed..remove ALL screw snaps first ! then re-bed them Yourself ( for smaller non-riveted snaps ) ..

I could probably come up with others..but this is a start .

YD.

 

[Robert D]

Re: When to check for rot?

I suspect the only real way to find out....absent the usual symptoms......is to do as suggested, and tear the whole thing apart......photograph it and post it, and we'll let you know what we think....as far as if it was rotted anywhere or not. When done taking apart, "installation is the reverse of removal."