Bass Boat, how to test under the decking?

[monkeybarsixx]

I picked up a free (I know, scary right!) bass boat. It has been stripped and gutted of almost everything but the hull, so I have a bit of work ahead of me.

The hull seems to be in great shape from the outside. a few nicks and small scratches (I'll be asking about those in another thread soon enough). The main floor seems rock solid. The front and aft "fishing decks" are rotted out and need to be replaced.

Since the fishing decks are bad, I am worried about what is under the main floor. But like I said, the main floor feels rock solid. no soft spots at all.

What should I do and how do I do it? in regards to whats under the main flooring. How do you check under the floor?


Thanks in advance. (we will get a bunch of photos -will start a dedicated thread- of the work in progress once we get into the project?

 

[monkeybarsixx]

Re: Bass Boat, how to test under the decking?

Just a quick side note....

Aside from the fishing decks needing replacement, EVERYTHING actually seems in great shape. As I mentioned, the floor is solid. The transom is solid. The console where the steering (steering and gauges are gone) goes is solid.

Not sure if this extra info makes anything more clear....

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bass Boat, how to test under the decking?

Welcome to iBoats!

What have you done to ensure that the Transom is SOLID? Core Samples?
Are there any openings in the floor that allow access to the stringers/Bulkheads?
Get those pics posted so we can see what you see and you'll get a plethera of helpful advice from a lot of knowledgeable folks.

 

[monkeybarsixx]

Re: Bass Boat, how to test under the decking?

Woodonglass, thanks for the quick reply.

I grab some photos in the next day or so (hopefully it stops raining her. I think I possibly get a camera down in there in a few spots.

Hmm.. i guess I don't really know if the transom is solid. it just appears that way.

thanks again,
scott

 

[monkeybarsixx]

Re: Bass Boat, how to test under the decking?

Quote from this thread: http://forums.iboats.com/boat-restoration-building-hull-repair/transom-help-please-640198.html


This info is from: jbcurt00

You can core sample the transom (FROM THE INSIDE) using tape on a drill as a depth gauge. Drill 1-1.25" deep 1/4-3/8" holes randomly up & across your transom, esp down low (you already found rot & the bilge drain) and near every thru hull penetration on the transom: motor mount bolts, tow eyes, beneath splashwell drains, etc. Post pix of your shavings. DO NOT DRILL FROM THE OUTSIDE OR COMPLETELY THRU THE TRANSOM.



If the shavings all come out light & dry, your good, if they are dark & wet, they need to be replaced. Any holes can be filled w/ polyester resin filler putty (NOT BONDO, or other filler w/ talc) or 3M 5200 (or alternate). If you use epoxy to fill the holes, polyester resin & gelcoat won't stick to it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bass Boat, how to test under the decking?

Yup, that's the way to properly core sample a transom