Soft Floor Woes

[rlb2252]

What?s the most likely cause of a soft floor? Water from above or water from below?

The boat I checked out yesterday, a 22 foot 1976 Sea Ray Cuddy, was a soft floor disaster. You almost expected to step through any minute.

Some soft spots were on the deck, some were in the Cuddy below.

Owner claimed the bilge pump had failed. This didn?t explained how the water got in in the first place.

His mooring cover seemed to fit poorly, so I?m sure he got some rain. The Cuddy floor had a puddle when we first climbed aboard.

But how long does water have to sit to cause soft spots. And what is the main danger of the soft spots?cosmetics, structural integrity, even the boat sinking?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Soft Floor Woes

if its as bad as you say, and your not up for a total resto, id move on to the next one.
If the floor was sealled properly at the factory, then it has been wet for a long, long time. If not then if could have happened as soon as a couple years. But that much that soft is not something that "just happened". It took time.
As for where it came from, the answer is yes to all. Forgot the plug a time or two. rained on it with no cover, and list goes on.
You will never know the answer to that. But it has been neglected badly.
I could be restored, but it wont be worth the time and money tgether that you will have to put in it. this as a labor of love, not for the money.

 

[JB]

Re: Soft Floor Woes

That is the problem with some boats. People put FLOORS in them. Boats aren't supposed to have floors, they are supposed to have decks or soles.

That boat has a terminal case of rot and probably needs everything but the outer skin replaced. Not worth it.