Patching floor

[itxone]

The project boat I'm working on had some soft spots around the ski locker so I've cut the flooring back, but not all the way to the hull. My initial plan was to sister a 2x2 to the stringer nearest to the side of the hull to support the new flooring but now I'm wondering if I should just cut the rest of the flooring back all the way to the hull. The only reason I was hesitant on doing that is because the flooring was solid in those areas. Any thoughts or recommendations?

 

[tpenfield]

It is unusual for just the flooring to be soft. . . how are the stringers and the bulkheads?

If you cut to the sides of the hull, as mentioned, you can have a more solid end result, rather than patchwork.

 

[itxone]

No delamination of the stringers and they have a nice sound when tapped with a hammer. The rotten area in the flooring stopped well before the inner stringers so i guess the water didn't spread very far. I only have the one exposed bulkhead and it's solid as a rock.

 

[itxone]

If you cut to the sides of the hull, as mentioned, you can have a more solid end result, rather than patchwork.

Yeah, that was my thought too. A bit more work but probably the right thing to do.

 

[JASinIL2006]

The 'knock test' is not a reliable way to check your stringers. You really need to drill a few holes about 1" from hull to core sample them. Takes just a minute or two, and if you're lucky and the drill shavings are dry and light-colored, you can just fill the holes with 3m 5200 Sealant or marine epoxy.

 

[itxone]

The 'knock test' is not a reliable way to check your stringers. You really need to drill a few holes about 1" from hull to core sample them. Takes just a minute or two, and if you're lucky and the drill shavings are dry and light-colored, you can just fill the holes with 3m 5200 Sealant or marine epoxy.

I'll do that tonight. Would 3M 4200 work too? I have some of that laying around but no 5200 at the moment.

 

[Scott Danforth]

usually the floor is the last thing to rot after the transom and stringers. yes, if the shavings come out dry, 4200 would work. if they come out wet, the sawzall works.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I'll do that tonight. Would 3M 4200 work too? I have some of that laying around but no 5200 at the moment.

Sure, 4200 is fine.

 

[itxone]

Drilled a few holes in the stringers and there's definitely moisture in some areas. Sigh.. That should have been the first thing I did when I picked up this project but I think i was afraid to know the truth. Oh well, live and learn i guess.

Now to decide where to go from here. I don't have the time or energy for a full resto so i might just slap in the new flooring, new seats, rebuild the carb and enjoy it as is for a while. Or just lick my wounds and sell it off either as it is or for parts.

 

[Scott Danforth]

step one of every restoration is denial..... you are there.

so sit down with your favorite soothing beverage.... make a decision and go in that direction

 

[itxone]

step one of every restoration is denial..... you are there.

so sit down with your favorite soothing beverage.... make a decision and go in that direction

Already there! And I'm at peace with the situation. I've learned a LOT since I started this project mid-summer which will pay dividends whether i stay the course with the current boat or ditch it and buy something newer before next season.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Good luck in your decision, most of us in the restoration section of this forum have been there.....some of us are glutton for punishment!!

 

[JASinIL2006]

And if you do decide to repair/restore, there are lots of us here to offer guidance and encouragement.

 

[itxone]

And if you do decide to repair/restore, there are lots of us here to offer guidance and encouragement.

I appreciate that! As of today I'm leaning towards completing the work I planned to do and enjoy it for a few seasons. I'm sure I'll encounter new obstacles along my way that will require guidance from this group. Cheers!

 

[GSPLures]

If you decide to just use it do the same core sample test to the transom. It is up to you to use or fix but please for your safety make sure you are aware of the total conditions of your boat

 

[Scott Danforth]

I appreciate that! As of today I'm leaning towards completing the work I planned to do and enjoy it for a few seasons. I'm sure I'll encounter new obstacles along my way that will require guidance from this group. Cheers!

Step 2.....acceptance.......

now on to step 3...... implement of destruction..... and beer....have to have beer.

 

[itxone]

If you decide to just use it do the same core sample test to the transom. It is up to you to use or fix but please for your safety make sure you are aware of the total conditions of your boat

Will do!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Absolutely need to evaluate the seaworthiness at this point... wet (rotten?) stringers often lead to a bad transom... both of which can be signs of a boat that's not safe to operate.