Looking for a boat... How do you check for rot?

[acdc96]

I'm looking for a boat to replace my tin boat. I have a general idea on how to check for rot in a boat. I don't know how to check for rot in the transom and stringers? The boat I'm looking for is outboard powered in the 15 - 18 foot range, Fiberglass. Any tips on checking for rot?

 

[HalfFish5087]

From experience at buying a rotted transom.

I would start with a screwdriver or ice pick and a good sized in wrench. Use the screwdriver/ice pick to poke at the lowest point of the interior side of the transom; and any compartment areas below the deck to check the stringers. Also, check any transom areas opposite of any holes on the exterior side say of pitot (speedo) tube, transducers, or ladders. If you find any spongy areas be cautious. Can use the large wrench to hit the stringer/transom with and if you hear a thud I would be cautious. Lastly, if any of the floor is soft you can bet that the springers and maybe the transom are rotted as well. Boats tend to rot from the bottom upwards.

If able the best way is to drill holes in the above mentioned locations and observe the shavings. If their bright yellow your good, if brown or black walk away. Dont drill all the way through but about 3/4 inch or so will be fine. Then backfill holes with 3M 5200 quick set.

You can also pay a marine surveyor...

 

[acdc96]

Thanks for the tip. Drilling into the transom or stringer is pretty bold of a buyer to do. If a guy wanted to do that on my boat I would flip out.

 

[SDSeville]

Thanks for the tip. Drilling into the transom or stringer is pretty bold of a buyer to do. If a guy wanted to do that on my boat I would flip out.

You are right. Makes a surveyor sound better However, that makes me think that if and when I sell my old boat, I will drill a few holes myself to show prospective buyers that my transom and stringers are in perfect condition.

 

[glenn property of pam]

see if the boat has a floor drain. If it does ask the seller if he can remove the screws then put your hand in the hole and fell the underside of the floor (drains are cut last in most boats and never sealed correctly so they act as a nice place for water to get in). Not all boats are built equal so age matters. If the boat is newer than 2001 do a little research on the web it may not have wood stringers or transom.

 

[acdc96]

The boats in looking at are 1990 and older. So I doubt any composite materials are present in any of the boats I'm looking at unless it was replaced with the new stuff.