Sea Sprite Soft floor

[smiles16]

I bought a used 17' mark 1 continental bow rider for cheap. Just finished installing the new engine and will be tackling the floor during the off season and was just looking for some pointers. The transom is good as far as I know (jumping up and down on the outdrive mount) and the stringers look good as well from the ski well and engine mount. However, the floor has a couple soft spots and looks to have been replaced in recent years. There is newer carpet and the underside of the floor looking in from the ski well reveals uncoated plywood. I am guessing the PO did not do the job proper. Have any of you guys seen this situation before or should I expect to find some other issues once I dig in?

I feel confident in the repair just looking for any advice and knowledgeable insight. Preparing myself basically.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

You did not say what year is the boat.

The same way you can't determine if a man has a broken bone without X-Ray, stringers/transom must be core sampled to determine if there is rot or not. Looks are not going to cut it.

Factories most of the times just skimmed a coat of poly resin (no glass) on the bottom and called it "good". Some other times, they did not even bother. Without pictures it would be very hard for any of us to tell you for sure but there are so many tell tale signs that will show in the pictures.

 

[smiles16]

Sorry guys it's a 1987 and I am not to the point I can add photos. However, the stringers are definitely glassed. In fact I was quite impressed with how well they were glasses. As far as core sample, I did secure my blower motor to the bottom of the transome and my fuel filter to the back stringer and did not notice any wet wood when I pre-drilled the holes.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you have soft spots in the floor, most likely the stringers and transom have rot as well.

you need to drill core samples.

 

[gm280]

I also have to agree with the above statements. Unless you took core samples at the transom and the stringers, you have no idea if your transom and stringers are good or cleverly covering over rot. Core sample the transom at the lowest areas you can get to. Because transoms rot from the bottom up. And if any wet and/or dark colored shavings come out, you have to change the transom. Remember the transom has to be able to handle the engine thrust without any issues. JMHO

 

[smiles16]

Ok guys thanks, I'll investigate this a bit further