Motor mount rot/89 Reinell Restoration

jbcurt00

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Staff member
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Oct 25, 2011
Messages
25,258
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

No matter what lead to you getting here w/ the problems & concerns you have, you can get it resolved.

Unfortunately, there is no way to know how much it's going to cost to repair, because the mount may or may not be the only area that needs to be addressed.

Only way to know how much work lies ahead is to do some demo & inspections. As you dismantle the boat & pull back the layers, you will quickly find that you will be constantly addressing multiple areas of concern & the 'plan' of what needs to be done will evolve & possibly change as you sift thru what is & isn't compromised. Motor mounts wouldn't be at the top of my 'Needs to be addressed' order of problems as they arise in most I/O. It'd be 2nd 3rd down. Transom 1st, then any & all stringers & motor mounts that are in contact w/ the transom.
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Unfortunately I did find out today that indeed stringers are going to have to be replaced. Not sure about the transom yet but might as well replace it anyways, right?
 

GT1000000

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4,916
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Unfortunately I did find out today that indeed stringers are going to have to be replaced. Not sure about the transom yet but might as well replace it anyways, right?

Yeah, usually best to do it all once you need to go that deep...sorry, man...and don't feel too bad about the the boat noobness, that is one of the main reasons a lot of us are here...:facepalm:

Like JC said, cost is gonna depend on how far you need to go...the average estimates around here for a full transom, stringer, deck job run between 1-3K $...a lot of that depends on where you can source the materials and the circumstances you have to work in {tools available, whether or not you need to build a shelter from the elements, etc.}

The one good thing you have going for you is the wealth of knowledge and guidance available here on the forum.
:)
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

So i'll definitely be into it more than the boats worth but I guess thats the way it goes when you don't have 20 grand to drop on something new. I guess the way to look at it is that once its done and done right my family will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Yep, I think of it like this. After you spend, lets say $3,000 bucks on her. You will have a boat that's better than it was when it came from the factory. Where could you find a boat like that for that price and know it was in this kind of condition? You will know every nook and cranny of the boat and have the utmost confidence that she is 100% safe and sound, and offer you and your family enjoyment for many years to come. If you stay after it and work hard you can have it done in 3-4 months and be ready for a Great Boating season next year. Worth it???? I'd say Yes!!!
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

After pulling the carpet in the ski locker this is what I found. To me it actually doesnt look that bad.


WP_20130612_001.jpgWP_20130612_002.jpgWP_20130612_003.jpgWP_20130612_004.jpgWP_20130612_005.jpg
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Nope, that looks pretty good. Drill some core samples with a 1/4" drill and see what the shavings look like. If they're light colored and dry then I'd say your good to go on the stringers and bulkheads in this area. I'd move aft and see what you find.
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

I have done one forward of the motor mount and clean shavings came out and one in the transom also clean shavings. How many should I do in the transom? Also what about the stringers near the sidewall or are there only 2 main strings that run down the length of the boat?
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Transom, down as low as you can and around the outdrive.
Stingers, down low and all of them
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

How can I test the stringers that are not accessible?
 

salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

in your first picture of the locker is a good shot of the underside of the deck (floor)...no glass. the plywood is cracking fairly well too.

the bulkhead in pic #4 near the hole at the bottom seems to be wicking water up. all in all those pics aren't very bad.

you may get lucky with some or much of the stringers and have more of a patch than replace job.

how can you test stringers you can't reach?...no way that i know of.
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Would it be safe to say that the stringers furthest away from the rot are better off considering these ones that are closer are not that bad?
 

salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

yes and no. it's a good sign but rot generally starts from the bottom and goes up. the stringers in the deepest part of the hull usually see the most moisture. another common problem area is where the stringers get notched for cross braces and bulkheads. it's very hard to fiberglass a 90 degree corner. moisture often attacks those spots.

at some point you have a decision to make. you're going to have to spend $x amount to fix the motor mounts. not sure what the verdict is on the transom. at a certain dollar amount you need to consider if it's worth it to you to go all of the way and do the floor too. since the underside isn't glassed it's kind of a shame to put much money into it knowing the floors days are numbered.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

While the deck is still on there is no way. As Salty says, if the stringers in the lower sections of the boat prove to be sound then more than likely those in the upper regions will be ok. Boats usually rot from the bottom up. In some cases, i.e. Motor Mounts the rot can occur Top Down Due to the Bolts being in the top and allowing water to penetrate from there. You just might luck out and only need a MM replacement. Doesn't occur often but... You might be one the lucky ones.:D
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Alright finally got the motor pulled today and was able to exam the motor mounts a little better.

WP_20130613_001.jpgWP_20130613_002.jpgWP_20130613_003.jpgWP_20130613_004.jpgWP_20130613_005.jpg
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

more pics of the motor mounts....Looks like it was a block of wood sandwiched between plywood. The stringer inside the box is wet but still feels solid. What would you recommend?

WP_20130613_006.jpgWP_20130613_007.jpgWP_20130613_008.jpg
 

greenbush future

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
1,814
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Block of wood sure looks like its in the stages of rot, I wouldn't cover it up, it looks like it should be replaced.
 

salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

have you inspected/drilled into the stringer behind the mount? with as wet as that looks it's quite likely some seeped into the stringer...really depends on the construction, is there glass between the motor mount and the actual stringer? or does the wood of the motor mount touch the wood of the stringer?

have you tested the inside the transom yet?...near the bottom of the hull and also around the outdrive cutout.
 

sk8er406

Seaman
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

Ive tested the transom and the stringers and I get nice clean shavings
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Motor mount rot

Re: Motor mount rot

I would never cover up wet wood. It will eventually turn into rotted wood. Replace it now while you're there.
 
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