Center console deck repair

[ahmincha]

New here Looking for some advice. I just purchased a fleetwing 21 foot center console with a soft center section of the deck.
my first question is not about the deck but the actual whole boat the finish is all cracked up as shown in pictures. What I need to figure out before I get to involved is what will I need to do with the finish of the boat. I did sand down a little section and its smooth but cracks still seem to be there. Any advise will be appreciated

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Center console deck repair

I believe that's the results of a bad second paint job. Others may have a different opinion, but I say it needs to be removed down to the original paint and then repainted correctly. A chemical stripper followed by sanding would probably be the quickest and easiest route.

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

Would a chemical stripper hurt the gelcoat

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Center console deck repair

Would a chemical stripper hurt the gelcoat

That I'm not sure of, your best bet would be to test it in an inconspicous spot first... or just sand that old crap paint job off.

It looks like that second coat may have been enamel applied to an improperly prepped hull, and the way it's cracking and peeling it may not be that hard to remove by sanding.

 

[Teamster]

Re: Center console deck repair

Looks like crazing in the gel coat too me,........

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

Ok if it is crazing what's my options I do know the boat sat for at least 5 years outside in Cleveland Ohio. I also assume it was not covered as it was not when I picked it up

 

[Teamster]

Re: Center console deck repair

Ok if it is crazing what's my options I do know the boat sat for at least 5 years outside in Cleveland Ohio. I also assume it was not covered as it was not when I picked it up

I honestly don't have the answer on a repair or fix,..

Be patient and one of the guys that know what they are talking about should come through sooner or later,...

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

Thanks for the replies

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Center console deck repair

Looks like crazing in the gel coat too me,........

It actually looks like a bad paint job over crazed gel coat... probably the reason for the second paint job.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Center console deck repair

If I were You. First I would open the rotted floor and see what is under there.? the Out side means nothing if the structure is in Bad shape. I know nothing about that boat. My .02

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Center console deck repair

If I were You. First I would open the rotted floor and see what is under there.? the Out side means nothing if the structure is in Bad shape. I know nothing about that boat. My .02

There's this too.

You don't want to mess up a nice new paint job with the dings, dirt, and dust of a rotten deck demolition and rebuild.

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

I already cut out the deck. Visual inspection looks like stringers are in good shape as is the transom. I just figured before I start dumping a bunch of money into this thing Ill will ask the experts of condition first thanks for the replies. I will take some more pictures today

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Center console deck repair

To fix the gel coat you need to remove all of it down to the glass, not an easy job, then it needs to be resprayed, more work.

How can you tell by looking at the stringers and transom that they are good? All you can see is the surface of the laminate. You need to drill small holes to tell what the condition of each one is.

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

What I meant by visual was nothing obvious to the eye. It seems like most of the crazing is on the top cap where weather got to it. Is there any way to figure out if its caused by structural issues. When you say drill small holes approx. size and where to drill top down through the side ?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Center console deck repair

Drill your and stringers with a 1/4"-3/8" bit down low through the side (fore, center, and aft), drill your transom down low in several spots (center, port, and starboard) if shavings are dark and wet = rot, light and dry = good.

Was there any floatation foam in your boat? If so, was it wet?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Center console deck repair

The weather didn't have much to do with it, the gel coat was applied incorrectly, the crazing is just the result of a poor cure, it has nothing to do with anything structural.

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

some more pictures

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

Yes there is foam and it seems dry around fuel tank

 

[ahmincha]

Re: Center console deck repair

The engine that came with it 1150

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Center console deck repair

Yes there is foam and it seems dry around fuel tank

You should core sample your foam to check for saturation in the lower parts.

Take a 1/2" or 3/4" PVC pipe and cut a couple of notches in one end, then push and twist it through the foam in a few spots. When you pull it out you'll remove a plug of foam, push the plug out of the pipe and check the bottom of the plug for dampness. Expanding foam can feel dry on top but be saturated on the bottom adding hundreds of pounds of water weight to your boat.

If the wet foam isn't removed it will never dry out and will create a damp humid environment in your bilge to rot your decking again.