Rot in floor

[dmangi]

I have a 1988 Bayliner 17' Capri and noticed in one corner in the back on the floor there is a raise in the floor. I can stand on it and it doesnt collapse, but if I push my finger its a little soft. Its in the back corner where the swim ladder is so that gets the wettest when people come in from the water. Anyways, the boat is always covered and I make sure its totally dry before I cover it. Its abount maybe a couple square feet area, and then away from that bubble the floor is solid but squeaks when you walk on it. I can't afford to have the whole floor replaced because I am sure that would cost way more than the boat is worth. This seems odd to me since this boat is not used that much, and has been under a carport for the first 13 years and has been covered for the last 3. Any ideas? I know you guys are going to say it needs to be replaced or else it will just get worse, but I can't go spending thousands of dollars on that boat. I am handy with carpentry work, but I don't know how boats are built so I wouldnt know where to begin. But if there is some quick fix, that would be great.

 

[Catchem]

Re: Rot in floor

OOOHHHH Boy Dan.I can see the responses coming hard and fast on this one.OK...try this.Use a 1/8" drill bit and drill in about 1/4" deep.Look at the cuttings.Are they wet or dry?If wet drill 3" away from it until you find dry wood.Now do this all around the area you suspect are rotten.This will give you an idea of the area you need to fix or replace.As for the squeaky floor I think you might have to live with it.Let us know how you make out.

 

[dmangi]

Re: Rot in floor

Ok well I'll probably only be using the boat another month and a half or so this season, so I'll wait til then since I'll have to tear up the carpet then. I don't imagine I would be able to just lay that same carpet back down, the glue probably will tear it all up when I try to lift it. But anyways, if I could just get by with replacing a small area, hopefully without it going under the seats or anything, then it might not be too hard. So what is between the plywood floor and the bottom of the hull? If I do have to cut out just an area, and replace it, do I just fill it in with a new piece and fiberlgass it in with the existing? I just would like to know what I am dealing with before I start tearing up the floor.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Rot in floor

There are stringers(Boards that support the plywood) under there. If they are rotting, you may have to really tear into it to replace these. There are many good posts on this subject on this forum. Take a look at the project boats section for some more info and how others have handled it or do a search using "Rot" as the keyword in the Red Box above. Use the drop down box to get you to Project Boats when you do the search and be prepared to do alot of reading... And yes, plan on new carpeting..

 

[kt4vq]

Re: Rot in floor

Dan, boy did I open a can of worms recently trying to fix some floor rot. Mine started out as some deck rot that needed to be replaced and the more I look the more I found and wound up pulling up all of the plywood and had the boat down to nothing but the fiberglass hull. Hard work but now I have a sound boat after I replaced all of the wood and carpet.<br /><br />For you...it sounds you are going to get rid of the boat. I covered all of my floor decking with fiber glass and cloth that I got at Home Depot. The part that you have that is soft could be peeled back and if there is enough solid wood below you could fill in the top or the removed part with cloth and fiber glass. That stuff works great. Your issue is the carpet. If there is any rot below you might find that the carpet will just get distroyed when you try to pull it back. Be careful...and good luck.

 

[dmangi]

Re: Rot in floor

Yeah I've been thinking of getting rid of the boat for the last couple years because I have spent a couple thousand on repairs the last 2 years and only use it a few times a year. However, I like the fact that I have had it since it was new so I know what its been through and stuff, ya know? I am also afraid if I sell it, I wouldnt buy another one unless it was a new one and I cant go buying a brand new boat. So I don't know. Maybe I'll start tearing up the carpet and replace that at least if I decide to sell it. The upholstery looks really nice still with no rips or anything, so with new carpet at least that won't be faded. I'll post here in a few months if I do this. Thanks.