How do you know when to rebuild???

[Boilermaker]

Well, my 1971 18ft boat had the transome replace this past summer...but the floor seemed solid.<br /><br />Now I'm noticing a few slightly soft spots>>>nothing real bad, but you can tell its not 100%.<br />The thing is>>> how do you know when to rip it apart??? Is it dangerous if the stringers are bad???>>>Its a fiberglass Modified Vee that I use in the bays and in very calm ocean (2-3ft seas) fishing. What CAN happen if the stringers are bad???? I do put my family on the boat with my 2 young (7 & 10 yrs) boys, and don't want to take any chances if it could be dangerous.

 

[DJ]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

Boilermaker,<br /><br />THe floor should not be soft-period.<br /><br />If the stringers are compromised, the boat can crack thus causing a serious leak.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

My boat was a nightmare when I got it. All the wood was completely rotted to mulch, and someone had layed some 3/4 ply in there as a means to have some sort of floor. They used the boat constantly with no trouble. I had to rebuild the thing from the hull up, and the only structure it had left was the waterlogged foam and the fiberglass that used to encase the stringers but in fact encased mulch. Yeah, a boat can still run with water damaged wood, but I don't recommend it. Once you start noticing soft spots in the floor, it isn't a far stretch to assume the stringers have at least some moisture issues. You never can truely know unless you rip in there and have a looksee. Good luck...

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

OK>>>So what should I be doing in the spring (we are under abt a foot of snow here on Long Island now)?? Do I just start cutting sections of flooring out and check the stringers??? I'm pretty sure I will be looking at a complete rebuild if I start. No sence in doing it half #ssed.

 

[airman]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

Take a small hammer and tap everywhere you can get to, listening for a dull sound which indicates problems. Cut out the problem areas and see where it leads. I've replaced about 1/3 of the wood in my Glassply. I see no reason at all to replace good wood. If you fix the problem when it is small, you can save big headaches later. If you find out that it was a big problem, you may have saved your neck. When you're done, invest in a good cover. 90% of all rot problems come from rainwater.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

Any GOOD book recommendations for this type of repairs??? I like to have as much knowledge of the work as possible BEFORE starting. <br />Thanks <br />Jim

 

[CCrew]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

"Runabout Renovation" by Jim Anderson. Available at Amazon for about $15. It's the "bible"<br /><br />Regards,<br />Roger

 

[walleyehed]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

This would be a better choice...... <br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=12698&current_category=manual&cart_id=204856385

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: How do you know when to rebuild???

Thanks Gents. <br />SANTA will be adding both books to my list.<br />