Questions about redoing floor on '76 'Twain 162

[tux16090]

I have a few questions about redoing the floor on a 1976 Mark Twain 162T-BR. I may be wrong on the model, but I know it is a '76 162 with a 115 outboard.

I started working on this boat, and I am a bit stuck on the best way to remove the floor from it. The foam under the floor swelled, and lifted the floor about 2-4 inches, making it unusable. The wood also got wet, and while most of it was okay, its all got to come out. A good bit of the floor is already gone (most of the middle of the boat) but I don't know quite how to approach the rest.

The issue is getting the floor and foam out from under the front seats (at/near the bow) and the back of the boat, where the fuel tank and storage is. I would like to avoid splitting the boat/taking the top half off if at all possible.

I also would like to know if the foam is needed, and how much it takes to pour in new stuff (if needed). Also are there any recommendations for things to do while the floor is out?

I attached some photos to help see what I am talking about, and please excuse the mess in the boat.

 

[jhande]

The boat in my signature is my project.

I crawled around trying to figure out how to replace the floor, stringers and foam. I too didn't really want to split the hull. My life would have been hell trying to sneak everything under what was there. A little piece, a little piece there, all kinds of seems and tons of piece meal parts. Took the top off and wha lah easy access and full size pieces.

Good luck!

 

[JASinIL2006]

I can't imagine being able to do a good job under those sections without taking off the cap.

 

[briangcc]

If the floor's gone, I'd be checking the stringers and transom as more than likely they are on their way to becoming mulch if they aren't already. And if the transom needs replacement, I honestly don't see how you'd accomplish it without de-capping the boat due to the splashwell design.

I think you're trying to delay the inevitable.

 

[tux16090]

The stringers are going to be replaced. Up near the front of the boat, they pretty much fell apart. The transom seems good to me, but maybe I should drill a few test holes to make sure. Any ideas on if the foam is needed?

 

[briangcc]

The foam provides floatation should your boat get swamped. If it were my rebuild, I'd be adding it back.

 

[JASinIL2006]

The foam provides floatation should your boat get swamped. If it were my rebuild, I'd be adding it back.

Same here.