Replacing Fiberglass Floor

[Racer67]

I'm looking into a 1986 center console boat. I was told the floors are soft, so I would need to replace them. I remember many years ago my dad replaced the floors on a cuddy cabin boat we had, but that boat had carpet so once the wood was in, the carpet covered it. This boat has a fiberglass (I assume.. it's not carpet, but just the white floor). Is this an epoxy I put overtop the wood, or?

Do you guys think I could replace the floor for under $1500? I would be doing the work myself.

Thanks

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Replacing Fiberglass Floor

Welcome to iBoats!

Posting pics of your boat will help us to help you. Your floor/Deck is more than likely wood coated with resin and glass and then top coated with either Paint or Gelcoat.. Boats generally rot from the bottom up, soo... if the deck is soft there's a good chance the substructure (stingers and Bulkheads) could have issues as well. Have you done any investigation as to the condition of the transom?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Replacing Fiberglass Floor

Unfortunately a soft deck indicates more problems below deck, problems like water saturated floatation foam and rotten stringers... and more than likely a rotten transom too.

Take the time and start reading the other fiberglass boat restorations in this forum to educate yourself, if you study enough of other peoples builds you'll learn and know what to do before you start work.

Restoring a boat isn't that hard but it is time consuming and will cost some money, depending on the size of your boat and the extent of repairs your need to make your $1500 will get you close or at least be a real good start.

If you decide to buy the boat post pics of it so we can see what you have to work with and give you the best help.

 

[Racer67]

Re: Replacing Fiberglass Floor

Thanks for the info guys. Here's a picture of the boat floor: http://images.craigslist.org/00101_eIq9UYDHF0M_600x450.jpg

I'm taking a look at the boat tomorrow morning. It's a 19'. How can I tell if the transom is shot?

I would like to use it for a few months before replacing the floor if possible.

Thanks again.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Replacing Fiberglass Floor

That looks like it will be a very nice boat when it's restored... but, we don't recommend using a boat in disrepair on this forum for safety reasons. It can turn what's supposed to be a nice fun relaxing day into a nightmare in just the blink of an eye and there are some really scary stories of that happening on this forum. However, it is your boat and you can use it any way you wish.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Replacing Fiberglass Floor

The holes in the floor next to the captains chair are most likely allowing water to enter below. There is usually foam for flotation, and wood stingers for support, all tied together with fiberglass under the floor. If enough water has entered, you most likely will need to remove what ya have and replace any rotted or water saturated sub floor stuff. wood, stringers, foam. The transom should be viewed in the same fashion, any holes from fish transducers or other add on equipment, are areas to inspect to see if water has been allowed to enter. Inspect the drain plug and engine bolt areas well, look for signs of discoloration or bulging swelling, cracks. Lift the outboard with everything you can, you should have 0 flex in the transom, I mean 0!! Heck, stand on the leg of the outboard to see if the transom has any flex. If it does, you most likely will be replacing the wood behind the outside glass on the transom. It all depends how it was stored and cared for.