Advice on rot!

[rockstar01]

HI, I am new to boat restoration, and would like to repair the deck on my '87 four winns horizon 190. There is a soft spot on the deck, on the starboard side towards the rear of the gas tank. When I open the cover it seems that some previous owner may have had another plywood floor installed over the original one? Or is this supposed to look like that?

Also in the photo where I am showing my finger pointing, is this a stringer? is it supposed to be covered in fiberglass?

I am happy to remove the old deck, and fabricate a new one with plywood, would it be prudent to only replace the damage spot or would replacing the whole floor be necessary?

Also how easy is it to repair a stringer, I am guessing you need to cut out the damaged section, replace the wood, and re glass. How to you adhere the new wood to the old (good_ part) of the stringer?

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks Jon.

 

[jbcurt00]

Rockstar
This is not going to be pretty, but the entire deck (floor) that was overlaid on the original needs to come up as does all of the original deck.

This is called a deck-over and is typically done by someone not interested in doing it the correct way which requires a lot of work. The correct way would also be the safe way.

Until you uncover the entire structure of the boat below decks, it is nearly impossible to assess the true condition of the boats stringers.

FYI: the transom is also suspect at this time.

Look thru other fiberglass boat rebuilds, you will see the work that lies ahead and how many 'small soft spots' or deck-overs turned into full gut projects.

No, you shouldnt repair in place or likely scab in new strimger material at just the 1 area and re-glass.

The odds are not in favor of a little bit of work ahead, heavily favored to be a lot of work..

 

[JASinIL2006]

Sorry, Rockstar, that does not look good... as you get into it and learn what things look like below decks, keep us posted. There is lots of experience, guidance and encouragement here to fix that sort of thing. It's a lot of work, but it can be very rewarding, too.

 

[alldodge]

Have to agree this is not going to be pretty. Hope you got it for free, or you really love boat because what I'm seeing it appears the entire hull is going to need to be stripped out. For the most part take it down to the bare hull and start over.

May need to look like the one below before you can start putting it back together

 

[jbcurt00]

This is the same 4Winns you had when you joined when the I/O elbows were leaking?

 

[rockstar01]

This is the same 4Winns you had when you joined when the I/O elbows were leaking?

Yep its the same boat. Once the elbows were tightened up all was good. Its been moved to FL for the past 3 years and kept garaged.

 

[jbcurt00]

Problem has probably been there since previous owner decked it over.

Once rot started and was covered up, rot continued and dry rot set in too, IMO

 

[Woodonglass]

I Totally agree with ALL the above. You need to do a Lot more investigation through out all the structural areas of the boat if you want to keep her. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[rockstar01]

Ok great, thx for the advice, will start going deeper and keep the posts up!

 

[tpenfield]

Sad to say that there is probably no easy way out, like the others have stated. Check out the numerous threads here of others who have traveled the road you are now on. Lots of advice along the way. The good news is that after all is said and done you will have a good boat that will last a long time.

 

[Grub54891]

Had the same issue. It turned out a total rebuild stem to stern. prepping for paint now. I haven't posted any pics on here yet, I'm waiting till it's done.

 

[Scott Danforth]

your most likely looking at a complete restoration.

 

[gm280]

rockstar01, I honestly know the information thus far isn't what you wanted to hear. But like others already made comments about, I too see a total gut and rebuild. Now before getting too excited about it. The very first question you need to answer to yourself is, do I seriously love this boat. If that answer is YES! Then proceed. If that answer is anything but YES, then start looking for a different boat. It is that simple.

If you are going to gut and build, you couldn't have picked a better boating site to get help, suggestions or ideas from. This IS the absolute best place for help and feedback knowledge. There are lots of folks on here that have gone through exactly what you will be going through. So let us know what YOU decide and we will help you in any way possible. :thumb:

 

[Curwatchma]

Hey Rockstar I just bout a boat like your yours same model same year same rot, I know its been a year since your last post, just curious on your progress?

 

[jbcurt00]

Cur
Its been over a year since rockstar has even logged onto iboats.

Not likely to get or reply to your post, hence the 90days inactive rule, after 90days w no new posts from the topic starter, dont post to their topics.

Start a topic about your project boat.

Closed