This Doesn't Sound Good.....

84EdH

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
575
I have been working on my 1979 Century 3000 bowrider for quite a while now. I have been rehabing the outdrive, put an engine together for re-power and am ready to put the engine back in the boat.

I was drilling some holes for front motor mounts and found water! A litte background. Some years ago a marine fiberglass repairman replaced my rotting stringers back by the engine. He actually fiberglassed in the whole rear floor area and bilge area. So today when I was drilling some pilot holes where the motor mounts will sit, I drilled in about 2 inches deep through what is apparently double layer of plywood, then hit an open space, then a couple of inches further down solid wood. The trouble is some of the wood waste that ran up the bit was mushy. I put compressed air in the hole and a bit of water spit out! My boat has been in a barn since last fall. The only water around has been some hose spray i directed at the bilge area and lower transom plate to wash off some degreaser. I dont think that got in these "bulk heads".

Where could this water come from? Everything back there feels solid, no floor movement etc. But the rigid fiberglass this guy layed in could be hiding bad wood.

My transom wood is solid. The floors are all solid, but apparently there is some water trapped in the sub-floor.

What to do? Magic fixes appreciated......
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,369
Re: This Doesn't Sound Good.....

5 galons of gas to heat it up and evaporate the water.
There are no magic fixes.that stringer area will have to be opened up to the point of finding good wood and glass in some oak stock for new stringers, not plywood.
 

starsnstripers

Lieutenant
Joined
Nov 30, 2007
Messages
1,330
Re: This Doesn't Sound Good.....

Thinking this post would be better fit, and to get more feedback in another spot other than the Mercruiser outdrive section. It's about boat structure. IMO
 

84EdH

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
575
Re: This Doesn't Sound Good.....

I thought there might still be an 1 1/2 inch stringer. The fiberglass repair guy put the engine back in and used 6" lag bolts that grabbed down below the plywood.

I guess it really doesnt matter. If water is trapped in there....rot will follow.
 

84EdH

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
575
Re: This Doesn't Sound Good.....

starsnstripes.....your right, I didnt even realize there was a separate forum for restoration and hull repair....I will take this issue over there.

thanks
 
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