1978 Chrysler floor help?

[briangcc]

Only the floor? From looks of things you should really check the transom and stringers. That's what Scott has been alluding to all along...and where a grinder will become a necessity.

 

[Tapphouse]

Only the floor? From looks of things you should really check the transom and stringers. That's what Scott has been alluding to all along...and where a grinder will become a necessity.

Yeah only the floor, Stringers are good, add foam and new floor, fibreglass edges up the sides and coat it all with dock paint or some rubber non slip stuff.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Yeah only the floor, Stringers are good, add foam and new floor, fibreglass edges up the sides and coat it all with dock paint or some rubber non slip stuff.

if that is a true statement. you are the very very first fiberglass boat to ever need a floor and not stringers or transom out of hundreds of thousands of restorations here on iboats. I seriously suggest you buy a lottery ticket or test drill into the stringers

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would look much closer at this section of stringer. the color means its rotten. that is black mold

 

[todhunter]

Ah...the denial phase. To think it was almost 2 years ago I was there as well.

 

[Wildey]

Ah...the denial phase. To think it was almost 2 years ago I was there as well.

I've learned from others mistakes and good advice from this forum.
It is a dangerous, and/or expensive phase. Another recent poster seems to have the same affliction.

 

[kcassells]

That saying is right up there with persons who say
"It is what it is."
No..the answer is
"It is what you make it."
Go kick some arse!!

 

[Tapphouse]

if that is a true statement. you are the very very first fiberglass boat to ever need a floor and not stringers or transom out of hundreds of thousands of restorations here on iboats. I seriously suggest you buy a lottery ticket or test drill into the stringers

Hi Scott, I’m definitely not that lucky, the rear section of stringer is indeed wet but not crumbling, and I believe it will be ok. I will drill a few test holes on days off to see how bad it is.
The transom…….I haven't even gotten that far yet.

 

[Tapphouse]

Ah...the denial phase. To think it was almost 2 years ago I was there as well.

Lol no not in denial phase. Unknown phase maybe, still investigating when I have time. Appreciate all the help. Thanks.

 

[Tapphouse]

I've learned from others mistakes and good advice from this forum.
It is a dangerous, and/or expensive phase. Another recent poster seems to have the same affliction.

I have also had my eyes opened to the boat world. Being my first boat/project it’s a lot to take in but learning lots, and learning what to look for on the next boat.
This old boat I hope to get out fishing for a few seasons and enjoy the water. It’s not a “nice” boat like everyone has on here.
What do you mean by “dangerous “? Who is the recent poster with same affliction?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Hi Scott, I’m definitely not that lucky, the rear section of stringer is indeed wet but not crumbling, and I believe it will be ok. I will drill a few test holes on days off to see how bad it is.
The transom…….I haven't even gotten that far yet.

Remember, wet and rotten are followed br dry and crumbling. Its just when the mold and bacteria finish what they started

 

[Wildey]

What do you mean by “dangerous “? Who is the recent poster with same affliction?

Not saying you, or anyone else is literally denying anything, but it can lead to catastrophic failures while out on the water. Putting the lives and well being of everyone aboard, and those nearby at risk.
It doesn't have to be beautiful to look at, but it should be beautifully done.
Be safe,
Cheers

 

[briangcc]

Hi Scott, I’m definitely not that lucky, the rear section of stringer is indeed wet but not crumbling, and I believe it will be ok. I will drill a few test holes on days off to see how bad it is.
The transom…….I haven't even gotten that far yet.

Umm....I hate to break it to you but.... 1. It won't ever dry out so it will continue rotting to mulch and 2. Needs to be replaced. It's the equivalent of trying to run the Boston Marathon with a broken leg.

If your floor is shot, the stringers along with the transom rotted well before.

The guys are right, you're in denial about only needing a floor. Dig deeper padawan.

 

[topgun3690]

Every time I see a post in this section about replacing a floor or deck I make a point to take a look at it......and most of the time it is the same old thing....a poster's simple plan to replace the floor turns into more than they bargained for.

 

[Tapphouse]

Alright give me the quick and dirty……To check my transom by drilling small pilot holes, how far apart do I drill? Say my transom is 5’ W x 2.5’ H. Do I drill in a grid? 1/2” deep? I’m sure it’s damp.

 

[Scott Danforth]

1" above the bottom of the hull, 6" spacing, 1/4 or 5/16 drill, no more than 1" deep

Usually only needs 3 or 4 holes to verify

If the shavings are light-colored, dry, and smell like fresh cut wood, just mix up marine tex and fill them

However if the shavings are dark-colored, wet and smells like my hip waders after a day of moving docks or rotten mulch..... Fire up the saws

 

[Tapphouse]

Ok, so 3-4 holes across the bottom 1” up, but that won’t tell me how far up the transom or how bad? Are there “degrees” of rot? As in levels of breakdown. Or is it only YES vs NO? Reason I ask is with all the articles and videos I’ve seen lately, quite a few boats seemed worse off than mine but were not rehabbed.
Again I don’t think I’m delusional or in denial, I think I don’t see/ completely understand the boat building spectrum.
Where I’m at now,is my boat toast? Or can I fix er up without a complete rehab and not be a safety concern?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Ok, so 3-4 holes across the bottom 1” up, but that won’t tell me how far up the transom or how bad? Are there “degrees” of rot? As in levels of breakdown. Or is it only YES vs NO? Reason I ask is with all the articles and videos I’ve seen lately, quite a few boats seemed worse off than mine but were not rehabbed.
Again I don’t think I’m delusional or in denial, I think I don’t see/ completely understand the boat building spectrum.
Where I’m at now,is my boat toast? Or can I fix er up without a complete rehab and not be a safety concern?

its a yes or no thing

with a transom, it doesnt matter if you have a spot of rot that is 4" x 4" or the whole thing is mush. that is just a matter of a short bit of time.

all boats are repairable. however yours needs a transom and stringers, then foam and floor.

 

[Tapphouse]

Questions……….looking at the stringers in my hull, is that enough support or should I add more/ different setup? I’m a bit concerned as the “sides” going up to the cap seem quite thin. It was mentioned that the sides in these old boats didn’t have much for support. Any truth to this or do I need to lay fibreglass to that also?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Questions……….looking at the stringers in my hull, is that enough support or should I add more/ different setup? I’m a bit concerned as the “sides” going up to the cap seem quite thin. It was mentioned that the sides in these old boats didn’t have much for support. Any truth to this or do I need to lay fibreglass to that also?

you keep forgetting the foam is also structural. so the single 3/4" width stringer is plenty when properly encapsulated