floor flex around ski locker?

[indy440]

the floor around the ski locker is not supported by the stringers. When I put my 200lbs on one spot around the locker it flexes down a little. It springs right back, I can not see any signs of moisture or rot. Is this normal or should I build some braces for it?

I try not to stand on one spot around the locker anyway...

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: floor flex around ski locker?

Can you get to the underside of the deck in that area?

If you have good access and are absolutely certain there's not an issue with water intrusion then a simple brace may be in order. I'd do something like take a length of 2x2, seal it with epoxy, then install it on the underside of the deck with either an epoxy/milled fiber paste or else PL Premium adhesive with stainless steel screws through the deck and into the brace.

It's also possible that you're seeing the first symptoms of rot, adding a brace may buy you a few more years. In any case make sure that you don't have issues with wet foam or stringers under the deck.

 

[indy440]

Re: floor flex around ski locker?

I can stick my head in the locker and easily get to the underside of the deck and it really does look just fine. The floor is not support by a stringer for probably 6-8 inches, its just open floor board all around the hole. I'll take another look at it today. I'm not terribly worried. There is not a single soft spot anywhere else in the floor.

 

[lowkee]

Re: floor flex around ski locker?

I am mid-restore on my boat and have been wrangling with that exact issue. I know it will flex just as your does over time, and I will likely do similar to what Metric suggested. My stringers are the same distance as yours, so I plan to place a rectangle frame of 3/4" fiberglassed over plywood around the perimeter of the locker and screw and PL it in place. I plan to extend the frame members out to the stringers so it has full support across the width.

It is important to seal, preferably glass over, the frame, as all wood will warp when dampened, so you don't want your fix making things worse (a bow or a dip caused by the warping).

I guess only time will tell if that is a good plan or not

Good luck!