Where do I start from here?

[reelnmn]

Hello all,

My name is Chris and I own a 1993 17' Procraft bass boat. After winterizing my boat I started inspecting it to see if there were any small projects I could work on over the off season. I came across this leak towards the transom of the boat:

Upon removing fasteners from where an old transducer had been installed, I found water dripping from the three holes and mushy wood. Here is a picture of the area (also notice possible stress cracks:

The wood around the SI transducer and the speed wheel in the left hand side of the picture has good wood and is completely dry.

What are some reasonable options? I'm currently trying to dry the area, but I'm not making much progress. I've read good things about CPES followed by some L L Resin but I'm not sure this would be the best option after its dried. Thanks.

Chris

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Do you have any Idea how long this has been going on? If it's been exposed for a while then the transom could have significant water absorption. It will take several months for it to dry completely IF it does at all. I would drill some exploratory holes on the inside at various locations to attempt to see how extensive the water intrusion is. If it is extensive I would recommend considering replacing it. Even if it drys if it has been wet for any length of time, it will eventually rot. How long will this take, I really couldn't say for sure, but for sure it eventually will. IF it is just a small spot, I would continue to let it dry as long as you can, inject epoxy into the holes, coat the mounting screws with epoxy, remount the transducer and hope for the best.

 

[reelnmn]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Drilled a few test holes and this is the result (red-bad green-good wood). I'm not planning on fishing until March, so I'm thinking about just packing silica gel around the area to pull out the moisture. Change it out every couple of days and then finish the job with epoxy. Thoughts?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Your pic did not post, need to use the "Go Advanced" Button to post pics and resize em to 640x480

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Most likely the transducer bracket was mouted right from the original dealer. I've seen several that put absolutely nothing to seal the screw holes, therefore you have 18 years of leakage. I truly hope that's not the case with you're but if you're seeing it from the inside then you can rest assured the wood in the transom is well soaked.

Even if it drys if it has been wet for any length of time, it will eventually rot.

Truer words have never been spoken. I'll wait to see how the pictures come out after you repost them. I'm not trying to sound all bad, just experienced on leaking screw holes over a long period of time. This is why I'm a big fan of "thru hull" transducer....don't like drilling any mores holes in my transom than necessary.

By the way....I might add that I love them older ProCrafts.

CW

 

[reelnmn]

Re: Where do I start from here?

After cutting away some of the inner skin the leak looks like it's been happening for a while...probably since that transducer was first installed 10-15 years ago. The 2x4 that supports the weight of the right gas tank is rotten. And the plywood that the tank sits on is wet....so it's really only a matter of time. And who knows what damage lies elsewhere.

Right now I'm trying to get an idea of what a good fix is going to cost and require. I'm pretty sure all the compartments and flooring will need to come out, along with the gas tanks. Will the top cap need to come off? What does that process involve?

I guess the idea after that is to get all the inner skin fiberglass cut out then replace the wood support structure of the boat, fix the leak, and reapply the inner skin. The only way I can afford this is to do it myself. Any estimates on cost, time, or equipment to get me started?

Thanks
Chris

Here are some pictures of the boat:

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Cadwelder is our resident Bass Boat Guru. You might send him PM. I'm sure he will be able to give you all the info you need to get through this rebuild. There are a lot of similar rebuilds here on the forum for you to look at to see what you're in for.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Hey Chris,

The cost isn't cheap ($1,500.00 estimate) but well worth it in my book...You have a sharp looking ProCraft there.

You asked if the cap needs to come off and the answer is yes. Your boat has a splash well that is about 7" deep and there's no way you'll replace wood behind that with it there. Removing the cap is a deal...but not a real big deal. You'll need to remove everyhting from the boat...outboard, seats, compartment lids, trolling motor...etc. to help lighten the top.

You'll find screws underneath the rub rail that is attaching the top cap to the hull and back at the transom, you'll find it is expoxied at the splash well, (this is the most difficult to remove). Anyway, there will be several points of attachment holding the cap to the deck. Look inside the front compartments, under the consoles, back in the bilge areas for tabbing (you'll have to pull the carpet back to see it. Also you'll find that the flanges of the cap will be glued and screwed to the deck (floor) all the way around. A putty knife and hammer works well here.

I use a RotoZip with a carbibe tip spiral cutter to cut thru the tabbing (there is generally and "void" area between the deck and cap that the bit will go right in and cut loose. This same tool is good for tight places on the stringers when you get to them.

Besure to support the boat well before you remove the deck and stringers, to assure the hull will hold it's shape well.

This is a rather general overview of what you have in store for you, but I hope it will get you started in the right direction. Keep us posted and keep the pictures coming so we can see what you see as you go. There is nothing you'll run into on that particular boat that I personally haven't ran into already, and with the rest of the "real" pro's here we'll have you back on the water in top shape.

As far as the time question you asked...that is a biggy. All depends on how much spare time you have to spend on the boat. If you get into now and have the cash and time to put into it...you should be ready for the spring fishing with no problem.


CW

 

[reelnmn]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Well it's being REALLY slow going. The boat is framed up and I've made two A frames to assist in pulling the cap off. I've cut the tabbing behind each rear storage compartment and under the passenger seats (these are the only places I've found it). Now I'm working the area where the splashwell is connected to the transom. I guess my main concern is how deep everything is epoxied. Any tips on the portion?

Here's a picture of the area:

 

[reelnmn]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Started pulling and prying more carpet and found where the rest of the front is attached...still need to work on finding some more in the rear and then remove the splashwell area.

Cadwelder...I tried using the Rotozip but keep shearing bits...any tips?

 

[reelnmn]

Re: Where do I start from here?

The splashwell area is still a work in progress. I'm stuck and could really use anyone's input. Here's some pictures:

The first pictures shows the general area I'm working on. Marked with "A"


The second picture shows the view from the inside. I couldn't get a could focus, so I marked the area with two red lines. Between these lines is a very hard white material. Maybe a glue of some sort but I'm having to chisel it out. The black line marks the line where the top cap and bottom cap meet on the sponson (I think that's right).


The last picture shows the transom area. It appears to me to be the same white material between the upper cap fiberglass and the lower cap. But I'm not sure.


So I'm not really sure where I should go from here. The top cap is not budging...I even tried a car jack on the back end. I just don't want to be chiseling away something that shouldn't be removed.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Where do I start from here?

Screw holes below the waterline, particularly those made by others after it left the manufacturer...sealed or not seald... (that includes the dealers), can be said to be the "kiss of death" to a boat. Shortcuts and nonchalance to installing transducers is the proverbial ticking time bomb and can ruin a good day on the water. Safe boating...