Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

[papakevin]

The floor in my 1991 Skeeter SD-80 boat is getting soft in a couple spots. This is something I just noticed, so I haven't investigated much, but I want to fix it now before it gets really bad.<br /><br />What is the right way to fix the floor in this boat? Is there an easy way vs. a hard way? My initial thought would be to purchase some marine grade plywood, pull up the old carpet, cut to fit the plywood, and put it down. Again, I'm new to this so any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks.<br /><br />By the way, feel free to email me at papakevin@gmail.com as well. Thanks.<br /><br />-Kevin

 

[papakevin]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

By the way, the boat was at the shop for about four weeks without a cover. The shop said they had an extra one for the boat, but I don't think they ever put it on. I think this is why it is just now starting to show...

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

Floors usually do not rot from surface moisture. Water has to get under the floorboards.<br /><br />I'd suggest that you do a search in this restoration forum for anything having to do with floors. A lot of good answers, descriptions, techniques and pictures. Here is one album for starters.<br /><br /> http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,92,00.html <br /><br />Once you get a general idea and maybe even start on your project you can come back with specific questions.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

The outside of the boat and the transom seem very firm and solid. Should I be worried with the structural intregrity of this boat? <br /><br />Also, I've read something about putting salt water in the bildge to help reduce mold and rot, is this true? Any and all help is welcome...

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

Originally posted by Kevin Matthews:<br /> The outside of the boat and the transom seem very firm and solid. Should I be worried with the structural intregrity of this boat?

If not at present, certainly in the future. If your floor is rotting chances are the foam is soaked. If the foam is soaked, next target are the stringers. Stringers and floors are what gives your hull it's rigidity and eliminates distortion and breakage of the hull under load. This all not to mention you need the floor to keep your seats in place.<br /><br />Forget the saltwater business.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

Check with out. I removed the drain covers (two) and everything looked good inside. I removed the carpet, and there was mold or something growing on the top of the floor/bottom of the carpet.<br /><br />I'm going to remove the rot in the floor but it APPEARS it was from the surface, maybe from the wrong carpet being used? Could this be the case or is this wishful thinking? I just purchased the boat a few months ago, so...<br /><br />Since I'm not real sure, I took some digital photos and posted them here. Please give them a look. I've posted two links, not sure which one works. Thanks.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/invitation,i,44,00.html" <br /><br /> http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectThumbs,p,99,00.html

 

[papakevin]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

By the way Boomyal, thank you for directing me to the share a project site. Very cool.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

It appears the rot is up top. As I went towards the bottom of the plywood, I found dry wood and dry foam. How should I fix this? Thanks.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

I can't get a good understanding of the floor from the pictures. I looks like a double floor?? I don't understand the round holes in the floor.<br /><br />The only way that carpet could cause that rot is if the floor was not adequately sealed and glassed.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

oops.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

Boomyal - I don't think it's a double floor, because the original fiberglass sides match up with what appears to be the new floor in the bottom. I think you're right - when the new floor was installed, the top wasn't sealed properly, thus bad wood on top, good wood on the bottom. <br /><br />Should I rip out all the wood in the floor and start over, cut out the one bad section, add a patch, and add another floor layer over top of all the floor, or sell the boat and buy a bigger one just for fun? Ok, option #3 is out for this year. <br /><br />On a serious note, where would one pick up the materials (fiberglass, resin, etc) for this repair.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Help with Soft Floor in Fiberglass Skeeter

Everyone,<br /><br />I've uploaded a new photo and need some help. Please take a look at the last photo and read the caption. Can I replace only one part of the floor or should I tear it all up? Can I glue extra boards along side the existing stringers? HELP please!<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectThumbs,p,99,00.html