Newbee to Floor repair

[whiskerman]

Hey guys. I've done some searching on this site about my project, and I admit I need to search some more, but I have one quick question. First, the background. Hydrasport Z255 1993 or 1994 model. Rear section of lower floor is toast (front and back levels of this boat are raised). Started pulling the floor and found water soaked in stringers up to front. Plan to replace everything on lower level (stringers, foam, & ply).

Question - The lower level is where the steering wheel is located. Sorry, I don't now correct boating term. One side is attached to side of boat, then the bow and port facing sides are attached to floor. Does this attached through the plywood down to the hull or is it resting on the plywood? I haven't cut this section yet as I didn't want to do any damage.

Thanks for replies. Plan to update my progress on this thread to ask for tips and suggestions.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

Welcome to iBoats!
Pics would really help us to SEE what you see and understand the problems you are having.


I'm just sayin...

 

[Boat Biz]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

I agree...

We need more info to be able to make suggestions and photo's give's us an idea of what is happening...

Then keep adding updates and photo's as you progess so others can follow.

 

[whiskerman]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

Here are a couple pics from back of boat. I'm hoping I can get access to stringers under the upper deck levels (front and back of boat). But I guess I'll find that out when I am done removing foam and remaining plywood.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

Hello Wiskerman..

I doubt that the console is glassed to the hull..however when you remove all that foam you will find out quickly

And yes..I believe its only to the wood deck ( I cant imagine a mold that would protrude that much down making it harder for the carpenters to go around your console )

but..it is a boat..lol

wiggle it m8.. do some exporitory..

YD.

 

[whiskerman]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

I'm moving along on this project slowly, but am progressing. Below are some new pics. I'm at a point where I need some advice how best to tackle this job.

I've spoken to a profressional, who has advised I pull the front and back raised decks in order to access and replace the stringers. I know this would be the best solution and give me a practically brand new boat, but I just don't have that kind of money to pay someone to do this and I lack the know how/time to do on my own.

As an alternative, I'm thinking about cutting the stringers/vertical support (sorry for the layman terminology) a few inches from the raised decks. I would then fit in new support to fill the gab, and sandwich the connection with additional wood were the the old and new supports meet. Perhaps I would take this additional strips (supporting the connections) the full length of the lower deck.

The wood within 6-8" of the bow raised deck is solid. The wood just in front of the rear raised deck is iffy. I might need to cut flush with the rear deck, then try to squeeze vertical support 5" or so under the rear deck. I imagine I will pre-drill the support on either side, then once in place drill through the existing support to match the holes. I'm guessing a bolt selected for appropriate size would be how I connect the existing stringers and added support. Then epoxy it, fiberglass what I can get to, add marine grade floor, fiberglass, and recarpet.

What do you think? Am I cutting too many corners? I just want solid floor and solid vertical supports to get on water without drop a grand or take this project into the spring.

Thanks for any and all replies.

 

[whiskerman]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

Forgot to attached pics! Here they are.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

If the stringer are in this poor of shape I would HIGHLY suspect that your Transom is in poor shape as well. I would strongly suggest that you do some serious exploratory work on your transom to detrmine it's overall structural worthiness. If you can get to it from the inside you should drill some 3/8 inch holes 3/4 inch deep into it at various places and see what kind of shavings you get. If they are light tan and dry then you are very fortunate. If they are dark brown and wet and mushy then you will need to replace the transom as well. That usually means you will need to remove the top "Cap" of the boat, or "POUR" a transom. Do some reading here on the forum to see what others have done.

I'm just sayin...

 

[oops!]

Re: Newbee to Floor repair

hey bud....from the looks of your pics you are doin good.

just a few things to help save you money and grief....

if the rear section is iffy.....PULL IT......dont mess around....cut it out and you will KNOW.

forget epoxy.....it is far more expencive than poly resin and wont do anything else for you.

dont worry about marine grade plywood either....standard exterior grade ply wrapped in fiberglass is standard in the industry.
these simple repairs will last over 20 years with little maintenance.

rule of thumb......anything that is wet or spongy....NEEDS to come out. dont guess.....KNOW....if in doubt....replace.

you are just about done with the teardown and the ugly part.....now comes the fun......building and glassing.

replace the stringers.....and like woody says.....check the transom....

cheers
oops

p.s......the link in my sig will help you a ton