Deck replacement - 86 Four Winns Horizon 190

[bennyl23]

Hi everybody!

I'm pretty new to this forum. I bought a boat last year (see title) that ran great and had been tended to well over the years according to the repair/maintenance receipts. The one outstanding issue when I bought it was the floor having multiple weak spots. I knew this going in and figured I'd enjoy the boat the first year, which I did, and do the work the following year, so here I am.

I've checked out a lot of posts on here already. Great job by some people of posting the entire process of stringer/deck replacement. I haven't taken up the floor yet, but I'm just assuming that the stringers are rotted, well, at least part of them. It seems that most people who go through this process have rotted stringers. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the transom is ok, because I just don't have the time or resources to remove the outdrive and motor and replace part or all of the transom.

So I have 2 questions that maybe I could get answers on.

1) How common is it for the transom to be rotted, or have some sections of rot, if the stringers are rotted?

2) Since I've never done this before, what tools are essential to do this project, assuming I don't have to do the transom?

I have a table saw, circular saw, I'm going to buy a sawzall, I have orbital sanders, belt sanders, and all the usual tools that a DIY guy would have. I've seen lots of mentions of grinders. Is that for the fiberglass?

Thanks for your help!

Ben

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Deck replacement - 86 Four Winns Horizon 190

Pretty common for the transom to be rotted. I'd for sure add an angle grinder to your tool list.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: Deck replacement - 86 Four Winns Horizon 190

Benny,

Welcome to iBoats. To answer your questions:

1) It is typically common for the transom to be rotten if the stringers and deck are shot. Replacing the transom in additon to replacing the stringers and deck is little added work in the big picture. Besides if your stringers are rotted then most likely your motor mounts are as well which means you still have to pull the motor to replace them.

2) The tools you listed are fine. The grinder is mainly used for grinding the old glass out and provide a clean surface for the new glass. Use 36 grit flapper wheels to grind the glass.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Deck replacement - 86 Four Winns Horizon 190

You're gunna find these will be your best friends. 4 1/2 inch Dewalt angle grinder (Under $50)
Rubber Backup Pad, and 34 Grit sanding discs. Dont use the Flap Discs. The sanding pads work WAY BETTER!!!!