"Soft spots on floor"

[John Greviskis]

I've never restored a boat, but I am in the process of building one. I'm amazed at the amount of posts regarding "soft spots on floor."<br /><br />With that in mind, do you guys have any tips to avoid this happening, or is it just inevitable?

 

[Pony]

Re: "Soft spots on floor"

I'd say keep the boat covered/protected from the elements as well as possible. For example I cant keep mine in the garage, so I cover it with a heavy duty canvas cover which I take off every once in awhile to let it air out.........<br /><br />Try not to let water "puddle" in the boat. If you cant cover it, at least leave the plug out and tilt the boat to allow water to run out. Automatic bilge pump if the boat sits in the water.....<br /><br />EDIT: also if you add anything to the boat like seats etc, make sure u install them properly so as not to allow water to penetrate in those areas<br /><br />Im sure there is lots of advice out there on this one.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: "Soft spots on floor"

Basically you pre-treat your plywood deck surface and edge materials with penetrating epoxy resin to waterproof them. Make sure any holes and screws you drill into the deck are properly waterproofed and sealed with expoxy as well.<br /><br />Most manufacturers skipped this process and now there boats have rotted plywood decks under the carpet or vinyl.<br /><br />Here are some sites that discuss this:<br /><br /> http://www.rotdoctor.com/L/BoatL/bQA185.html <br /><br /> http://www.rotdoctor.com/L/BoatL/Bqa.html <br /> <br /> http://www.hares.net/scott/boat/waterproofing.htm <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=search_tng&d=results&record=2453691-233520-G74X