Hull Integrity

[ksanksan]

Just bought a 1960 Play Sur 16' Fiberglass runabout. Outer hull looks pretty good but when walking in boat I noticed a little water oozing out of a scratch in the primer paint on the floor of the boat.Previous owner says he sprayed interior floor with primer to clean up appearance. Hope he wasnt covering up leaks or a dry rot situation.<br /><br />The previous owner swears there were no leaks of water coming into the boat from outside the boat. If he speaks truth, then I suspect water accumulated in boat which was left uncovered during NO. Calif. wettest year 2003 which only stopped in May.<br /><br />I am unsure of the cunstruction methods used to make these boats in 1960, but if floor is just fiberglassed plywood and wood is impregnated with water, will it ever dry out? Will it be structurally sound? ASnother thought, could this just be foam holding the water?<br /><br />Would appreciate thoughts on how I can investigate my suspicions and also how to dry it out if wood is ok.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Ksan

 

[Specks n Reds]

Re: Hull Integrity

 

[ksanksan]

Re: Hull Integrity

Thank you for your reply. You are correct about no access between deck and hull. This flat fiberglass covered peice of wood about 16" wide starboard to port, was used to provide a semi- level standing surface in two areas. 1) between the driver's and co-pilot's bench seat which is set up on a captive airspace box also made of FG covered plywood and the rear bench seat also on a raised box FG covered. 2) similar floor immeadiatly ahead of driver bench seat extending forward from that seat to forward storage compartment and driver's leg space but stops a few feet from bow, as area is covered by deck cowling. Not sure if these two areas running parallel to boat are continuous. Or, isolated chambers. Also not sure if FG boxes supporting bench seats are connected air wise to area below level flooring or isolated. (I would like to think Isolated, and just on top of this floor board, or buttong up to it) Floor area immeadiatly behind rear bench seat, appears to be hull not floor., and a drain plug is provided.Also, under each bench seat box a tube is provided for drainage to the rear at the level of the floor board. Therefore, if I were to cut a hole in this floor plate for a deck plate, it will be just ahead of rear bench seat box.<br /><br />Whew, LOL IBOATS needs to add a sketch pad and JPG ability.<br /><br />I assume a deck plate is a SS plate gasketed and screwed to floor?<br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Kirk

 

[Specks n Reds]

Re: Hull Integrity

I assume a deck plate is a SS plate gasketed and screwed to floor?

Deck plates are ABS (plactic} with a o-ring seal Screw down with SS screws. Bed ring and screws with 3M 5200.<br /><br />If you post some pics it would be a big help.<br /><br />You should take up everything screwed to the floor, seats etc.<br /><br />You get leaks around the screws that mount them.<br />When you reinstall use the 5200 on the screws.

 

[ksanksan]

Re: Hull Integrity

Hi Specks-- will take me a day or so but gonna send you some pics- then hopefully You can guide me through this.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Kirk