Fuel capacity issue

[jmznshana]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

So my understanding of this possible foam water logged issue is this. If the boat takes on water essentially the foam will get soaked. If I know or can tell that water got in from under the rub rail anywhere around the boat. (I know it did through the transom area at the least) I can see silicone sealant on a few other areas around the boat and up on the bow area. The foam will get wet/retain water.

The only way to rectify this is to pull the floor and replace the foam? (assuming this is the case)

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

Yeah, sadly, if your foam is waterlogged the only remedy is to pull it all out. Which of course means pulling up your new floor. It's a huge amount of work but there are plenty of projects going on in the restoration area that will give you a good idea of how to do this if you are so inclined.

It's worth noting that leaks thru the hull are not necessarily the only way floors, stringers, and foam gets soaked. Years of splashing and rain into a boat from above can do it too. Hopefully the original owner didn't just cover over a complete horror show with a new floor.


FWIW, my puny 90hp 17 footer has a 30 gal tank.


Welcome to iboats and good luck.

 

[jmznshana]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

Is there a way to do/ have a moisture test done without tearing into the boat? I am really getting a sick feeling in my stomach about this..

It seems a very sill design in boats that these areas even have the ability to take on water..

 

[Philster]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

Moisture tests? I have little to no confidence in them.

The rub rail, which is where the top deck meets the hull and forms a joint, is the number one point for water entry in many mass-produced boats. Splashes of sea water and rain water wick in over the years.

Smaller boats are stuffed fill of foam (so, if the boat were to start sinking, it'd remain somewhat at the surface) and, along with the wooden support structure, just act like an enormous sponge; a sponge that will never dry out.

Cutting a hole in an inconspicuous area, such as a ski locker, can reveal tons. I think others with more experience should chime in.

 

[mippel]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

Do you have a scale close by that you can weigh it at? From the interweb:
This inboard/outboard runabout is 19.5 feet long and weighs 2700
Weigh it, subtract the trailer and fluids, that will give you a ball park figure.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

I second the suggestion of weighing the boat before you start hacking it up. The 2700 dry weight figure quoted sounds about right.

Moving companies have scales and only charge a nominal fee.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

Although rub rails, cleats, and other areas where screws enter the fiberglass will let in water, it's nomimal. How long would it take drops of water at a time to add up to 100 gallons? The most frequent way that water gets locked in under floors and in bilges is people leaving their boats uncovered in the open weather. Rain can fill every void very, very quickly. No time to drain and dry out before the next rain and it propagates. Water is trapped under the floor, leaves and crap block the drain passages, water stays trapped and waterlogs the foam which, in turn, rots the stringers and transom.

If your previous owner admitted to have it submerged enough to ruin the starter, then I'm guessing it was way worse than he's letting on and probably more than once. It takes a lot of water to fill a bilge, especially if the boat is sitting near level.

P.S. Just retired from the Daytona Beach Fire Dept.

 

[jmznshana]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

UPDATE.. I just got over the flu yesterday so I was able to get some work done on the boat today... I pulled the carpet in 2 places and drilled inspection holes for the foam.. on port side I drilled first hole under the rear facing bck/bck seat.. I found the foam to be dry to about an inch off the bottom... it was from what I could tell damp.. Not saturated but not good either way. I have another thread going in the restoration hull repair section about a crack in the hull on that side up near the bow.. I am thinking this may be the culprit of the water on this side.

the other hole was drilled on starboard side near the rear.. Bone dry...

Not sure what to do at this point.. tear the whole deck up and fix.. Or just the side the water was found.. Sucks because the deck was replaced a few years ago...

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

It would be a bit scary to me that when the new floor was put in, the PO covered over the ski locker. Like he was hiding a mess below. Just a thought..

Sea ya...

 

[64osby]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

When you say the PO put a new floor in and covered up the ski locker... Did he install a whole floor over the existing floor?

 

[jmznshana]

Re: Fuel capacity issue

There is only 1 layer of plywood deck... So it does not appear there is a layer laid down over old base. He told me he covered the ski locker due to never using it and it had the typical Monterey problem of the ski locker drain issue..(did not drain) I've read several threads here about that...