How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

[rwalk]

Hello to all! I just purchased my first boat. It is a Genesis made in Hastings FL. After the motor repair, we splashed the boat for a quick test. After pulling it out of the water, what looked like a scratch in the hull, turned out to be a crack. I had a fiberglass repairman look at it. He informed me that there was a soft spot in front of the console and the deck and possibly the stringers need to be replaced. My first (of many) question is. How to tell if my deck and stringers need replaced?

I have resigned myself to the worst case scenario but really don't want to rip out the deck if there is a way to check. Here is a picture of my boat. More detailed picks to follow.


Thanks in advance,

Ron

 

[GT1000000]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

How to tell if my deck and stringers need replaced?

Only sure way I know of is to physically take core samples by drilling into the suspect areas, not all the way thru, just enough to see if the underlying wood or foam is wet and or rotten...it is best to do this at the lowest possible points, since that is where the problems usually start...
Good Luck!

 

[rwalk]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

Thanks for quick reply. Question: How do I know where the stringers are in my boat? Or, do I just pick a random low spot and drill? Also, what size bit?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[GT1000000]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

Where your stringers are is a tough one to answer if you don't have any way to look under the deck, say through a bilge opening or deck hatch...
You might be able to contact the Manufacturer, if they are still around and ask them...

As far as a drill bit, 3/8" should be adequate, your deck is probably only 1/2" or 3/4 " thick, so don't be surprised if you break thru...

If you do, and it turns out you DON'T have a problem, you can just seal up the holes with some 3M 5200 Marine Sealant...

If you find the deck is shot, you will need to pull it up to replace it anyway, and after you do, would be a good time to check the rest of the innards...

 

[rwalk]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

Thanks again, I'll get on it and see what happens. Your help and quick responses are much appreciated.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

The fiberglass guy was telling the truth, if your deck has a soft spot... it needs to be replaced.

If your deck has a soft spot it has let water into your bilge that more than likely has just sat there and been absorbed into the foam and stringers... rotting the stringers.

If your deck has a soft spot and your stringers are rotten, you may need to replace your transom too because it is likely to be rotten too.

 

[rwalk]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

Yes, I am planning for the worst.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

Hey is that Genesis built like a Whaler?

Or with a a 1piece drop in liner?

I don't know, but the pix

reminds me of liner or whaler construction.... Perhaps not typical deck & stringers....

It looks to have awfully short freeboard and awfully long for typical stringers...

 

[rwalk]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

Hull repair update. I cut a 6" hole in the deck and found a 1/4 white composite material and not plywood! I also found the this boat appears to be of foam core construction. Thirdly, I found the the crack was only through the gel coat and not the fiberglass. All good news.

I still think the thru hulls are leaking in the bait wells as they are PVC. Not quite sure what to do with them yet.

Any ideas?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: How to tell if my deck needs replaced.

The foam filled interior of a Genesis is similar to the Whaler then:

And not an easy fix, if you have a leaking livewell, encased in that foam filled interior. Foam just below the deck might feel dry, but 6-8" below along the hull (or anywhere in between) may be completely saturated w/ water. Same goes for checking directly below the helm. Foam even just a few inches away may be in an entirely different condition.