Boat Floor Repair

[Banker21]

I recently purchased a 2003 Tahoe Q5 that was in rough condition. The boat had been left outside and uncovered for several years. Among other things, the floor of the boat has rotted out and looks like it will need to be replaced. Initially I thought it just had a few soft spots and I was going to try to reinforce it. Has anyone else had to replace the floor on a similar style boat? Can you share any info about the process, cost, etc?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

Welcome to iBoats . . .

A fairly new boat to be needing a new floor . . . There are lots of threads of folks replacing the floor on the restoration forum, so search away.

The first order of business would be to determine if the water from the weather exposure made its way into the structure of the boat and if it caused any problems below. On an older boat, it is pretty much a sure thing if the floor is rotted, the stringers are probably rotted too. Since your boat is only 10 years old, it may be different, but you should check it out.

First order of business would be to open up the floor and get a look at the structure of the boat. Post some pictures as you go as that will help with feedback and comments.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

Welcome to iboats.

YES, there are MANY that are replacing the deck, stringers and transoms. Boats rot from the inside out so if the deck is rotted (Soft) then below deck is really suffering.

I will throw a number out........ consider $2500 + or - and MANY hours of labor. Restoration is not a quick easy fix. A Tahoe Q5 in perfect shape can be worth about $8000 and if you paid $7000 and put another $2500-$3000 into it.....it will still only be worth 8K The restoration will not increase the value but it will maintain the value.

Use the search function sit back and be prepared to be browsing.

Good luck!

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

large project. An early step is going to be to get water and moisture out of the hull flotation. If stored outside uncovered, it's pretty much a sure thing that there is water under there.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

Well I hope our comments did not scare you! Much of your restoration work will also depend on the help you have on-hand. Many of the projects here in iboats are "single handed" pieces of work.

You never know....you might be lucky. The Tahoe is a nice boat and someone should be punished for the neglect...... you can save that boat!!!! All of the supplies (with the exception of extra laborers) are available here Boat Paint, Repair & Maintenance - Boat Carpet, Fiberglass Repair, Antifouling

 

[Banker21]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Could anyone help me with the construction of the floor in my boat? Again, it is a 2003 Tahoe Q5. I have started pulling up the carpet and it appears that the top of the floor is a fiberglass material with a plywood type underlayment underneath it. From looking in the ski compartment in the floor, the wood appears to be in pretty bad condition. When I stand on it, the floor feels really soft in the middle and around the 2 front seats. The top fiberglass piece on the floor appears to be part of the fiberglass structure of the boat, not a separate piece that can be removed. I'm a little confused as to how to replace the wood. Beginning to think this may not be a DIY project!!

@Bob_VT. I purchased the boat for $2,000 but it also needs some mechanical and upholstery work. I thought I had a pretty good deal but I probably underestimated what it would take to fix this floor.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

This link will give you some insight to the process..."Fabricating Decks, Stringers, and Transoms" Once the floor has been removed you may discover the stringers/bulkheads will require your attention as well. You may need to investigate the transom as well.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

Yours will be extremely similar to most boats. A fiberglass shell (hull) was built in a form, and had a support system installed (stringers, sort of boat floor joists) that then got a fiberglass wrapped plywood deck (floor) installed over that. To this deck the super structure was applied: Cap (top part of the boat above the rubrail), consoles, seats & etc.

BVetter just got a good bit of the deck support (stringer) system installed and glassed:
1999 Celebrity 190 - Engine Mount and Stringer Repair

Check out his thread ^^^

Although they may look different, most boats are built similar to how WoodOnGlass' graphics suggest that they get rebuilt:
"Fabricating Decks, Stringers, and Transoms"

Bob's $2500 estimate doesn't include major upholstery or engine, steering lighting work. It's primarily hull, deck, stringers & transom work.

Don't discount the need to thoroughly inspect the transom if the deck (floor) is as soft as you describe. It's replacement will REQUIRE the engine & outdrive to be pulled.

Not a small amount of work ahead, unfortunately.

Again pix of your boat showing details of what concerns you & a few of it's overall general condition would prove HUGELY helpful. No matter how bad it seems, it can be rebuilt as good (or better) then it was originally, and most of the work can be done by you, if you have the time, energy, workspace, money & determination to do it. Access to a few typical woodworking tools will be helpful.

 

[zool]

Re: Boat Floor Repair

Being that its a 2003, you may get lucky and have a non wood substructure...not sure about the transom tho...

A deck replacement is a big project, but no where near as big as deck/stringer/transom. Best to open it all up and have a look see..

Actually, it says here you have fiberglass stringers..

http://www.hendersonimplement.com/new_vehicle_additionalfeatures.asp?veh=8907&CatDesc=