Inboard Engine Cover is Really Heavy

[Bbwilli2]

Hey boaters, I have a 2002 Crownline BR 225. Generally, it is in great shape for an old boat but the engine cover/sun deck has gotten very heavy over the years. Guessing it’s water logged. Any tricks to get the engine cover back to a manageable weight?
Thanks very much

 

[Chris1956]

Replace any soggy plywood. What is the balance of the cover made of?

 

[racerone]

Does boat have a top / cover when not in use ?-----Best to inspect the rest of the boat.----Perhaps a trip to a weigh scale if on a trailer.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Engine cover should be fiberglass

 

[Buzzsaw420]

Mine was soggy and falling apart also. Plywood and marine vinyl.

 

[Bbwilli2]

Replace any soggy plywood. What is the balance of the cover made of?

The cover/sun deck is roughly 8’ x 5’. The underside is plastic, I would guess 1/4” thick as I can’t see the edges as the vinyl upholstery wraps around the edges. Probably a sheet of plywood on top of that then 6” of foam, then the vinyl upholstery.

 

[Bbwilli2]

Does boat have a top / cover when not in use ?-----Best to inspect the rest of the boat.----Perhaps a trip to a weigh scale if on a trailer.

Most of the last 19 years the boat has been under a shelter. There was 5 or so years that the boat was outside with a boat cover

 

[JimS123]

If the cover is equipped with gas shocks, the shocks need to be replaced.

 

[Chris1956]

Likely not 1/4 plywood, as it is not strong enough. On a cover that size, even 1/2 plywood would need reinforcement, across the short side.

Best to pull the vinyl off and see what you have. 1/2 plywood is easily replaced, and can be made as well as the original.

 

[poconojoe]

If the cover is equipped with gas shocks, the shocks need to be replaced.

This is what I was thinking.
Maybe, one at a time, unhook one end of each gas shock, then push it in to see how much resistance you get.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Most of the last 19 years the boat has been under a shelter. There was 5 or so years that the boat was outside with a boat cover

under a shelter is only marginally better than in a garage. moist air leads to rotten wood

got pics?